 the attempt
known till its success could be known likewise; for though feeling almost
secure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging, he was
comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday. His reception however
was of the most flattering kind. Miss Lucas perceived him from an upper window
as he walked towards the house, and instantly set out to meet him accidentally
in the lane. But little had she dared to hope that so much love and eloquence
awaited her there.
    In as short a time as Mr. Collins's long speeches would allow, every thing
was settled between them to the satisfaction of both; and as they entered the
house, he earnestly entreated her to name the day that was to make him the
happiest of men; and though such a solicitation must be waved for the present,
the lady felt no inclination to trifle with his happiness. The stupidity with
which he was favoured by nature, must guard his courtship from any charm that
could make a woman wish for its continuance; and Miss Lucas, who accepted him
solely from the pure and disinterested desire of an establishment, cared not how
soon that establishment were gained.
    Sir William and Lady Lucas were speedily applied to for their consent; and
it was bestowed with a most joyful alacrity. Mr. Collins's present circumstances
made it a most eligible match for their daughter, to whom they could give little
fortune; and his prospects of future wealth were exceedingly fair. Lady Lucas
began directly to calculate with more interest than the matter had ever excited
before, how many years longer Mr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William
gave it as his decided opinion, that whenever Mr. Collins should be in
possession of the Longbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he
and his wife should make their appearance at St. James's. The whole family in
short were properly overjoyed on the occasion. The younger girls formed hopes of
coming out a year or two sooner than they might otherwise have done; and the
boys were relieved from their apprehension of Charlotte's dying an old maid.
Charlotte herself was tolerably composed. She had gained her point, and had time
to consider of it. Her reflections were in general satisfactory. Mr. Collins to
be sure was neither sensible nor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his
attachment to her must be imaginary. But still he would be her husband. -
Without thinking highly either of men or of matrimony, marriage had always been
her object; it was the only honourable provision for well-educated young women
of small fortune, and
