:46:12
Dear Miss Elizabeth,
:46:14
My attentions have been
too marked to be mistaken.
:46:18
Almost as soon
as I entered the house,
:46:20
I singled you out
as the companion of my future life.
:46:25
But before I am run away
with my feelings,
:46:28
perhaps I may state
my reasons for marrying.
:46:31
Firstly, that it is
the duty of a clergyman
:46:33
to set the example
of matrimony in his parish.
:46:36
Secondly, I am convinced
it will add greatly to my happiness.
:46:40
And thirdly,
that it is at the urging
:46:43
of my esteemed patroness,
Lady Catherine,
:46:46
that I select a wife.
:46:49
My object in coming to Longbourn
was to choose such a one
:46:52
from among Mr Bennet's daughters,
:46:54
for I am to inherit the estate
:46:57
and such an alliance will surely...
:47:01
...suit everyone.
:47:05
And now nothing remains but for me to
assure you in the most animated language
:47:10
- of the violence of my affections.
- Mr Collins!
:47:12
And no reproach
on the subject of fortune
:47:15
- will cross my lips once we're married.
- You forget I have given no answer.
:47:19
Lady Catherine will
thoroughly approve when I speak to her
:47:23
of your modesty, economy
and other amiable qualities.
:47:28
Sir, I am honoured by your proposal,
but I regret that I must decline it.
:47:34
I know ladies
don't seek to seem too eager...
:47:38
Mr Collins, I am perfectly serious.
You could not make me happy.
:47:41
And I'm the last woman
in the world who could make you happy.
:47:45
I flatter myself that your refusal
is merely a natural delicacy.
:47:49
Besides, despite manifold attractions,
:47:52
it is by no means certain another offer
of marriage will ever be made to you.
:47:57
I must conclude that you simply seek
to increase my love by suspense,