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CHAPTER XX . MR . COLLINS was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love ; for Mrs . Bennet , having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference , no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the staircase , than she entered the breakfast - room , and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their nearer connection . Mr . Collins received and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure , and then proceeded to relate the particulars of their interview , with the result of which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied , since the refusal which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character . This information , however , startled Mrs . Bennet : she would have been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting against his proposals , but she dared not believe it , and could not help saying so . “ But depend upon it , Mr . Collins , ” she added , “ that Lizzy shall be brought to reason . I will speak to her about it myself directly . She is a very headstrong , foolish girl , and does not know her own interest ; but I will make her know it . ” “ Pardon me for interrupting you , madam , ” cried Mr . Collins ; “ but if she is really headstrong and foolish , I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation , who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state . If , therefore , she actually persists in rejecting my suit , perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me , because , if liable to such defects of temper , she could not contribute much to my felicity . ” “ Sir , you quite misunderstand me , ” said Mrs . Bennet , alarmed . “ Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these . In everything else she is as good - natured a girl as ever lived . I will go directly to Mr . Bennet , and we shall very soon settle it with her , I am sure . ” She would not give him time to reply , but hurrying instantly to her husband , called out , as she entered the library , — “ Oh , Mr . Bennet , you are wanted immediately ; we are all in an uproar . You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr . Collins , for she vows she will not have him ; and if you do not make haste he will change his mind and not have her . ” Mr . Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered , and fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern , which was not in the least altered by her communication . “ I have not the pleasure of understanding you , ” said he , when she had finished her speech . “ Of what are you talking ? ”
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