Pride and Prejudice, a play by Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye Part 32

CHARLOTTE.

Well, Eliza, if you wouldn't mind, I should like you to put on your sprigged muslin. In spite of what Mr. Collins says, I know it would please him. I have no time to change. Is my cap straight? Oh, here she is. [_To the maid, who stands staring, with her arms full._] Why, Martha! Are you still there? Go! Go! [_She bustles the maid out of one door, then runs to the other, calling her husband._] Mr. Collins! Mr.

Collins!

[_She then rushes into the garden, followed immediately by_ MR.

COLLINS _in the same state of excitement_. ELIZABETH, _as she looks after them, is convulsed with laughter_.]

ELIZABETH.

So, at last--her high and only mightiness! No tremors, Elizabeth! Now is the time for all your courage. [_She runs laughing out of the room._]

[_Sounds of voices are heard, and_ LADY CATHERINE _appears escorted up the path by_ CHARLOTTE _and_ COLLINS.]

LADY CATHERINE.

[_As she reaches the door._] You keep too many hens, Mrs. Collins. There is just a certain number which are profitable--beyond that there is waste. [LADY CATHERINE _sits on the sofa_.] A clergyman's wife should set an example of thrift. You should have asked my advice.

MR. COLLINS.

Mrs. Collins will in the future regulate her poultry-yard according to your directions, Lady Catherine, if you will be so condescending as to give them.

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, thank you, Lady Catherine.

MR. COLLINS.

Will your Ladys.h.i.+p not take some refreshment?

CHARLOTTE.

Oh, yes--let me fetch you a cup of tea?

LADY CATHERINE.

No, no--I wish nothing. [_To_ MR. COLLINS.] But you may go, Mr. Collins, and see if Jones is walking the horses up and down. I do not trust Jones.

MR. COLLINS.

With great pleasure, your Ladys.h.i.+p. [MR. COLLINS _goes out_.]

LADY CATHERINE.

[_To_ CHARLOTTE.] I thought you had a visitor, Mrs. Collins.

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, your Ladys.h.i.+p--I have. It is my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is a cousin of Mr. Collins and a neighbour of ours in Hertfords.h.i.+re.

LADY CATHERINE.

I have heard about her. Fitzwilliam says she is a very genteel, pretty kind of girl.

CHARLOTTE.

[_Pleased._] Indeed she is, Lady Catherine.

LADY CATHERINE.

Well, where is she?

CHARLOTTE.

She has gone to make a little change in her dress, before presenting herself to your Ladys.h.i.+p.

LADY CATHERINE.

Oh! very proper--very proper!

CHARLOTTE.

I am delighted to hear that Miss de Bourg is better, Lady Catherine.

LADY CATHERINE.

Yes, thank you. She is very greatly improved. [_After a slight pause, with impatience_.] Well, Miss Bennet takes her time!

CHARLOTTE.

[_Anxiously._] I am sure she will be here in a moment. [ELIZABETH _enters_.] Oh, here she is. [_Presenting_ ELIZABETH.] Lady Catherine, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. [ELIZABETH _curtsies_.]