Chapter 17 90
extremely agreeable to her . Elizabeth , however , did not choose to take the hint , being well aware that a serious dispute must be the consequence of any reply . Mr . Collins might never make the offer , and till he did , it was useless to quarrel about him .
If there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk of , the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a very pitiable state at this time , for from the day of the invitation , to the day of the ball , there was such a succession of rain as prevented their walking to Meryton once . No aunt , no officers , no news could be sought after--the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy . Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her patience in weather which totally suspended the improvement of her acquaintance with Mr . Wickham ; and nothing less than a dance on Tuesday , could have made such a Friday , Saturday , Sunday , and Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia .