Chapter xIV.

1. During dinner, Mr. Bennet scarcely spoke at all.

2. He thought it time to have some conversation with his guest and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine.

3. Lady Catherine de Bourgh's attention to his wishes, and consideration for his comfort, appeared very remarkable.

4. Mr. Collins was eloquent in her praise.

5. She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive property."

6. She is a most charming young lady indeed.

7. She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution.

8. "Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at court."

9. Her indifferent state of health unhappily prevents her being in town.

10. By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and, when tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies.

11. Lydia gaped as he opened the volume, and before he had, with very monotonous solemnity, read three pages, she interrupt him.

12. Lydia was bid by her two eldest sisters to hold her tongue.

13. Mr. Collins said "I have often observed how little young ladies are interested by books of a serious stamp, though written solely for their benefit.”

14. “But I will no longer importune my young cousin.”

15. Then turning to Mr. Bennet, he offered himself as his antagonist at backgammon. Mr. Bennet accepted the challenge.

16. Mrs. Bennet and her daughters apologized most civilly for Lydia's interruption, and promised that it should not occur again, if he would resume his book.

17. But Mr. Collins, after assuring them that he bore his young cousin no ill-will, and should never resent her behaviour as any affront, seated himself at another table with Mr. Bennet, and prepared for backgammon.