Chapter 13 65
establish the blessing of peace in all families within the reach of my influence ; and on these grounds I flatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable , and that the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estate will be kindly overlooked on your side , and not lead you to reject the offered olive-branch . I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being the means of injuring your amiable daughters , and beg leave to apologise for it , as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends--but of this hereafter . If you should have no objection to receive me into your house , I propose myself the satisfaction of waiting on you and your family , Monday , November 18th , by four o ' clock , and shall probably trespass on your hospitality till the Saturday se ' ennight following , which I can do without any inconvenience , as Lady Catherine is far from objecting to my occasional absence on a Sunday , provided that some other clergyman is engaged to do the duty of the day . --I remain , dear sir , with respectful compliments to your lady and daughters , your well-wisher and friend ,
" WILLIAM COLLINS "
" At four o ' clock , therefore , we may expect this peace-making gentleman ," said Mr . Bennet , as he folded up the letter . " He seems to be a most conscientious and polite young man , upon my word , and I doubt not will prove a valuable acquaintance , especially if Lady Catherine should be so indulgent as to let him come to us again ."
" There is some sense in what he says about the girls , however , and if he is disposed to make them any amends , I shall not be the person to discourage him ."
" Though it is difficult ," said Jane , " to guess in what way he can mean to make us the atonement he thinks our due , the wish is certainly to his credit ."
Elizabeth was chiefly struck by his extraordinary deference for Lady Catherine , and his kind intention of christening , marrying , and burying his parishioners whenever it were required .