Chapter 57 346 friendly eye .'
" Mr . Darcy , you see , is the man ! Now , Lizzy , I think I have surprised you . Could he , or the Lucases , have pitched on any man within the circle of our acquaintance , whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they related ? Mr . Darcy , who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish , and who probably never looked at you in his life ! It is admirable !"
Elizabeth tried to join in her father ' s pleasantry , but could only force one most reluctant smile . Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her .
" Are you not diverted ?" " Oh ! yes . Pray read on ."
"' After mentioning the likelihood of this marriage to her ladyship last night , she immediately , with her usual condescension , expressed what she felt on the occasion ; when it became apparent , that on the score of some family objections on the part of my cousin , she would never give her consent to what she termed so disgraceful a match . I thought it my duty to give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin , that she and her noble admirer may be aware of what they are about , and not run hastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned .' Mr . Collins moreover adds , ' I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia ' s sad business has been so well hushed up , and am only concerned that their living together before the marriage took place should be so generally known . I must not , however , neglect the duties of my station , or refrain from declaring my amazement at hearing that you received the young couple into your house as soon as they were married . It was an encouragement of vice ; and had I been the rector of Longbourn , I should very strenuously have opposed it . You ought certainly to forgive them , as a Christian , but never to admit them in your sight , or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing .' That is his notion of Christian forgiveness ! The rest of his letter is only about his dear Charlotte ' s situation , and his expectation of a young olive-branch . But , Lizzy , you look as if you did not enjoy it . You are not going to be missish , I