Pride and Prejudice, a play by Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye Part 34

Really, Madam, I think it would be very hard on the younger sisters not to have their share of society because the eldest one does not happen to be married. That would hardly be likely to promote sisterly affection, or delicacy of mind.

LADY CATHERINE.

Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for so young a person! Your sisters may be married before you. You must not be too ambitious. A good many young girls have lost their chances through being too ambitious. [_Looking at a large picture on the wall and then pointing to it._] Mrs. Collins, I suppose you have shown Miss Bennet this print of Pemberley--Mr. Darcy's place?

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, Lady Catherine.

LADY CATHERINE.

[_Complacently._] Pemberley is one of the finest places in England. My daughter Anne is very fond of it, which is fortunate, since she will probably spend the most of her life there.

CHARLOTTE.

Most fortunate, your Ladys.h.i.+p.

LADY CATHERINE.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] You see my nephews here often, Miss Bennet?

ELIZABETH.

[_Mischievously._] Yes, _very_ often, Lady Catherine.

LADY CATHERINE.

Humph! Well, idle young gentlemen often make very foolish use of their time. My daughter, Miss de Bourg, is unfortunately not able to accompany Mr. Darcy in his walks as often as both of them could desire.

MR. COLLINS.

[_Entering._] I think your Ladys.h.i.+p's mind may be quite at rest about the horses. Jones seems to have them well in hand.

LADY CATHERINE.

Oh, I am glad you have come back, Mr. Collins. I am going to ask you and Mrs. Collins to go and see the new cottages with me. I shall take you in the carriage. [_To_ CHARLOTTE.] You had better put on a plain bonnet, Mrs. Collins.

CHARLOTTE.

By all means, your Ladys.h.i.+p. [_She goes out._]

LADY CATHERINE.

Are you quite ready to go, Mr. Collins?

MR. COLLINS.

Oh--a.s.suredly, your Ladys.h.i.+p--quite!

LADY CATHERINE.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] Miss Bennet, I should advise you to write to your family while we are gone. [CHARLOTTE _returns in her bonnet and mantle_.

LADY CATHERINE _looks her over_.] Yes, that will do very well!

CHARLOTTE.

[_To_ ELIZABETH.] We shall not be gone very long, Eliza.

LADY CATHERINE.

I am not sure of that, Mrs. Collins, but I have provided an occupation for Miss Bennet during our absence. Good morning, Miss Bennet. I may ask you later for dinner.

ELIZABETH.

[_Curtsying._] Good morning, Madam. [_All go out_, MR. COLLINS _showing servile attentions to_ LADY CATHERINE. ELIZABETH _watches them from the door_.] Really! I might have spared myself some of the mortifications I have felt for the shortcomings of my own family. The contrast is not such a violent one after all. [_Looking at the writing desk._] However, Lady Catherine can give good advice. I really ought to write to my poor, dear Jane.

[_She seats herself at the writing table--gets out her paper, etc.

and begins her letter when the door-bell sounds._ ELIZABETH _starts and is putting away the writing materials, when the maid ushers in_ MR. DARCY, _who seems much excited_.]

DARCY.

I am here again, Miss Bennet. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Collins drive away with my aunt. I have something which I _must_ say to you. [_He walks excitedly up and down for a moment, while_ ELIZABETH _watches him in amazed silence. Then he suddenly goes up to her and begins to speak in an agitated manner._] Miss Bennet--in vain have I struggled! It will not do! My feelings will not be repressed! You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you!

ELIZABETH.

[_Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, and is silent._]

DARCY.

[_Taking her silence for encouragement._] Miss Bennet, I can well understand your own astonishment at this declaration, for I am amazed at myself! My feeling for you has taken possession of me against my will, my reason, and almost against my character!