 herself
obliged, on her return, to undo all the work of the morning, and pack her trunk
afresh.
    When they parted, Lady Catherine, with great condescension, wished them a
good journey, and invited them to come to Hunsford again next year; and Miss De
Bourgh exerted herself so far as to curtsey and hold out her hand to both.
 

                                   Chapter XV

On Saturday morning Elizabeth and Mr. Collins met for breakfast a few minutes
before the others appeared; and he took the opportunity of paying the parting
civilities which he deemed indispensably necessary.
    »I know not, Miss Elizabeth,« said he, »whether Mrs. Collins has yet
expressed her sense of your kindness in coming to us, but I am very certain you
will not leave the house without receiving her thanks for it. The favour of your
company has been much felt, I assure you. We know how little there is to tempt
any one to our humble abode. Our plain manner of living, our small rooms, and
few domestics, and the little we see of the world, must make Hunsford extremely
dull to a young lady like yourself; but I hope you will believe us grateful for
the condescension, and that we have done every thing in our power to prevent
your spending your time unpleasantly.«
    Elizabeth was eager with her thanks and assurances of happiness. She had
spent six weeks with great enjoyment; and the pleasure of being with Charlotte,
and the kind attentions she had received, must make her feel the obliged. Mr.
Collins was gratified; and with a more smiling solemnity replied,
    »It gives me the greatest pleasure to hear that you have passed your time
not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having
it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and from our
connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I
think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been
entirely irksome. Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine's family is indeed
the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few can boast. You see on
what a footing we are. You see how continually we are engaged there. In truth I
must acknowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I
should not think any one abiding in it an object of compassion, while they are
sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.«
    Words were insufficient for the elevation of his feelings; and he was
obliged to walk about the room, while Elizabeth tried to unite civility and
truth in a few short sentences.
    »You may
