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CHAPTER XIV DURING dinner , Mr . Bennet scarcely spoke at all ; but when the servants were withdrawn , he thought it time to have some conversation with his guest , and therefore started a subject in which he expected him to shine , by observing that he seemed very fortunate in his patroness . Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s attention to his wishes , and consideration for his comfort , appeared very remarkable . Mr . Bennet could not have chosen better . Mr . Collins was eloquent in her praise . The subject elevated him to more than usual solemnity of manner ; and with a most important aspect he protested that he had never in his life witnessed such behaviour in a person of rank — such affability and condescension , as he had himself experienced from Lady Catherine . She had been graciously pleased to approve of both the discourses which he had already had the honour of preaching before her . She had also asked him twice to dine at Rosings , and had sent for him only the Saturday before , to make up her pool of quadrille in the evening . Lady Catherine was reckoned proud by many people , he knew , but he had never seen anything but affability in her . She had always spoken to him as she would to any other gentleman ; she made not the smallest objection to his joining in the society of the neighbourhood , nor to his leaving his parish occasionally for a week or two to visit his relations . She had even condescended to advise him to marry as soon as he could , provided he chose with discretion ; and had once paid him a visit in his humble parsonage , where she had perfectly approved all the alterations he had been making , and had even vouchsafed to suggest some herself , — some shelves in the closets upstairs . “ That is all very proper and civil , I am sure , ” said Mrs . Bennet , “ and I dare say she is a very agreeable woman . It is a pity that great ladies in general are not more like her . Does she live near you , sir ? ” “ The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park , her Ladyship’s residence . ” “ I think you said she was a widow , sir ? has she any family ? ” “ She has one only daughter , the heiress of Rosings , and of very extensive property . ” “ Ah , ” cried Mrs . Bennet , shaking her head , “ then she is better off than many girls . And what sort of young lady is she ? Is she handsome ? ” “ She is a most charming young lady , indeed . Lady Catherine herself says that , in point of true beauty , Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex ; because there is that in her features which marks the young woman of distinguished birth . She is unfortunately of a sickly constitution , which has prevented her making that progress in many accomplishments which she could not otherwise have failed of , as I am informed by the lady who superintended her education , and who still resides with them . But she is perfectly amiable , and often condescends to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies . ”
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