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 Ladyship 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 Ladyship. [MR. COLLINS _goes out_.]

LADY CATHERINE.

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

CHARLOTTE.

Yes, your Ladyship--I have. It is my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. She is a cousin of Mr. Collins and a neighbour of ours in Hertfordshire.

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 Ladyship.

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_.]