Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel

Elizabeth

[Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, and is silent.]

Darcy

[Taking her silence for encouragement.] Miss Bennet, I can well understand your own astonishment at this declaration, for I am amazed at myself! My feeling for you has taken possession of me against my will, my reason, and almost against my character!

Elizabeth

[Starting in indignation.] Sir!

Darcy

Oh, understand me, I beg of you! For yourself alone my admiration is only too natural. I share it with everyone who has the happiness of knowing you. But – pardon me – for it pains me to offend you – the defects of your nearest relations, the total lack of propriety so frequently betrayed by your family, has so opposed my judgment to my inclination, that it has required the utmost force of passion on my part to put them aside. But, my dear Miss Bennet, your triumph is complete. Your own loveliness stands out the fairer in its contrast to your surroundings, and I now hope that the strength of my love may have its reward in your acceptance of my hand.

Elizabeth

[Who has gone through all sorts of emotions during this speech, speaks, in a constrained manner as if trying to control herself.] Mr. Darcy – in such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode to express a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, however unequally they may be returned. If I could feel gratitude I would now thank you. But I cannot. I have never desired your good opinion, and you have certainly bestowed it most unwillingly.

Darcy

[Leaning against the mantel-piece, hears her words with no less resentment than surprise. After a little he speaks in a voice of forced calmness.] And that is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting? I might perhaps wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour at civility, I am thus rejected. But it is of small importance.

Elizabeth

I might as well inquire why, with so evident a design of insulting me, you chose to tell me that you liked me against your will, your reason, and even against your character! Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was uncivil?

Darcy

I very clearly explained that the objections which appealed to my reason applied entirely to your family, and in no respect to yourself.

Elizabeth

I am a part of my family, Mr. Darcy; and allow me to say that, since I have had the opportunity of comparing my relations with your own, the contrast is not so marked as I had been led to suppose. [Darcy starts.] But – aside from all questions of either feeling or family – do you think any consideration would tempt me to accept the man who has been the means of ruining, perhaps forever, the happiness of a most beloved sister, and involving her in misery of the acutest kind? [Darcy looks at her with a smile of incredulity..] Can you deny that you have done this?

Darcy

I have no wish of denying that I did everything in my power to separate my friend from your sister. I did not, indeed, anticipate that I should involve either of them in "misery" of any kind. On your sister's side, at least, I was never able to discover any symptoms of peculiar regard for Mr. Bingley. While, for every reason, I must rejoice in my success with my friend; toward him I have been kinder than toward myself.

Elizabeth

[With disdain.] Your arrogance in calmly deciding the extent of other people's sentiments does not surprise me. It is of a piece with your whole nature! But your interference in my sister's concerns is not all. Long before it had taken place, my opinion of you was decided. Your character was unfolded in the recital which I received months ago from Mr. Wickham. [Darcy starts excitedly.] What can you have to say on this subject? In what imaginary act of friendship can you here defend yourself?

Darcy

[In a tone of suppressed excitement, in marked contrast to his previous self-assured manner.] You take an eager interest in that gentleman.

Elizabeth

Who that knows what his misfortunes have been can help feeling an interest in him?

Darcy

[Contemptuously.] His misfortunes! Yes, his misfortunes have been great indeed!

Elizabeth

[With energy.] And of your infliction! You have reduced him to his present state of poverty – comparative poverty; you have withheld the advantages which you must know to have been designed for him. You have done all this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes with contempt and ridicule!

Darcy

[Walking up and down the room with quick steps.] And this is your opinion of me? This is the estimation in which you hold me! I thank you for explaining it so fully. [Stopping and looking at her.] Perhaps if I were to divulge the truth regarding Mr. Wickham, I might give you as great a surprise as you have given me. [After a slight pause.] I do not care to go into particulars, but in justice to myself, I must tell you that the man whom you consider a martyr is a profligate with the most vicious propensities. A man who should never have entered your home, for his presence there is a constant source of danger.

Elizabeth

[In indignation.] Mr. Darcy!

Darcy

[With dignity.] I am ready to give you the full proofs of all I have said, Miss Bennet, whenever you may so desire, although I would gladly forget all the miserable circumstances myself, and no obligation less than the present should induce me to unfold them to any human being.

Elizabeth

[Coldly.] Your judgment in the matter of my sister's happiness has given me a gauge by which I can measure your fairness to a man who has been so unfortunate as to offend you. My faith in Mr. Wickham is unshaken.

Darcy

[Looking at Elizabeth in indignation and by a great effort governing himself.] I shall take what you have said, Miss Bennet, as a reflection on my judgment alone; otherwise, my veracity would be at stake, and this, I am sure, you did not intend. Indeed I understand your whole position perfectly. I have erred in the manner of my declaration. Your bitter accusations might have been suppressed, had I concealed my struggles. It is my own fault. I have wounded your pride. I should have flattered you into the belief that I was impelled by inclination, by reason, by reflection, by everything! But disguise of every sort is my abhorrence. Could you expect me to rejoice in the inferiority of your connections?

Elizabeth

[Angrily.] And do you expect me to rejoice in your proposal that I ally myself to the conceit and impertinence of yours? No, Mr. Darcy! The manner of your declaration has affected me only in one way: – it has spared me the concern which I might otherwise have felt in refusing you, had you behaved in a more gentlemanlike way. [Darcy starts.] You could not, however, have made me the offer of your hand in any possible way that would have tempted me to accept it. [Darcy looks at her with an expression of mortified amazement.] I had not known you a month, before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry.

Darcy

You have said quite enough, Madam! I perfectly comprehend your feelings and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been. Forgive me for having taken up so much of your time, and accept my best wishes for your health and happiness. [Darcy hastily leaves the room.]

Elizabeth

[Sinking into a chair, then getting up and walking excitedly about the room.] To insult my family! To think I was ready to fall on my knees, in gratitude for his condescension! To calmly dispose of Jane's happiness! [Stopping in her walk and with a half-amused smile.] And yet really to be in love with me in spite of every obstacle. [Throwing herself again into the chair, half laughing, half crying.] Oh, Jane, Jane! I wish you were here!

Martha

[Enters with a letter.] Here is a letter, Miss. The express has just brought it.

Elizabeth

A letter? For me?

Maid

Yes, Miss – [She gives Elizabeth the letter; curtsies and goes out.]

Elizabeth

[Looking at the letter.] Why, it is from Jane! What can be the matter? [She opens the letter hurriedly and reads.] "Dearest Lizzy – I have bad news for you, and it cannot be delayed. An express came to us last night from Colonel Forster. He told us that Lydia had run away from Brighton with one of his officers: – to own the truth – with Wickham!"

Elizabeth

Oh! Wickham! [Going on with the letter.] "He first thought they had gone to Scotland, but, oh, Lizzy, it is far worse than that! We now know that Wickham never intended to go there, or to marry Lydia at all!"

Elizabeth

Oh! [Reading again.] "Colonel Forster has been here to-day. He says Wickham is not a man to be trusted! He has left Brighton terribly in debt, and his record is bad in every way. Oh, Lizzy, our distress is very great! My father is going to London with Colonel Forster instantly to try to discover the fugitives. It is hard to ask you to shorten your visit, but we are in such distress that – " [Darting from her seat.] Oh where – where is the express? I must write. No – I must go. Oh, Lydia and Wickham! I must go at once! I must send someone for a carriage. [She rushes to the garden door calling.] Martha, Martha! The express! [Suddenly she calls again.] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is that you?

Colonel Fitzwilliam

[Appearing in the garden.] What is the matter, Miss Bennet?

Elizabeth

[Wildly.] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam – the express – or can you get me a carriage? I have bad news from home. I must return at once and Mr. Collins is away. Will you be so kind? [She falls, half-fainting, upon a chair near the door.]

Colonel Fitzwilliam

[With concern.] Certainly, my dear Miss Bennet – of course – but – [Calling off.] Darcy, don't wait for me. I can't join you now. Miss Bennet is in distress.

Darcy

[Entering.] Miss Bennet? Good God! What is the matter?

Colonel Fitzwilliam

Miss Bennet has just had bad news from home. She wishes to return, and desires a carriage.

Darcy

[In a decided tone.] Do you go for the carriage, Fitzwilliam. Get one from the stables. [Fitzwilliam hesitates.]

Darcy

Go. I will remain with Miss Bennet.

[Fitzwilliam goes out.]

Darcy

[To Elizabeth very gently.] Shall I call the maid, Miss Bennet? A glass of wine? Shall I get it for you? You are very ill.

Elizabeth

[Hardly able to speak.] No, I thank you: there is nothing the matter with me. I am quite well. I am only distressed by some dreadful news which I have just received from Longbourn. [She bursts into tears.]

Darcy

[Helplessly.] I am sorry, very indeed!

Elizabeth

[After a short silence.] I have just had a letter from Jane with such dreadful news! It cannot be concealed from anyone.

Darcy

I am grieved, Miss Bennet. Grieved indeed!

Elizabeth

Oh, Mr. Darcy, you were right. If I had only believed you! You, and others! But I could not believe it. [She sobs.]

Darcy

[Greatly moved.] What is it, my dear Miss Bennet? What has happened?

Elizabeth

[Wildly.] Oh, I cannot tell it, and yet everyone must know! My sister Lydia – has – has eloped – has thrown herself into the power of – of Mr. Wickham! She has no money, nothing that can tempt him to – she is lost forever! [She sobs again.]

Darcy

Good God, Miss Bennet! Your sister and Wickham! Oh, this is my fault. I should have realised this danger – I should have spoken. My own wretched experience with this man should have been told.

Elizabeth

[Wonderingly.] Your experience!

Darcy

Yes – I – you remember. I hinted it to you – to-day. But I should long ago have spoken boldly.

Elizabeth

What do you mean?

Darcy

Mr. Wickham attempted this same plan with my own sister – two years ago. She was an ignorant, innocent, trusting girl of fifteen. Happily, his villainy was discovered and prevented. But oh, I should have told you! Had his character been known, this could not have happened.

Elizabeth

You tried to tell me, Mr. Darcy. Everybody has tried to warn me. But I could not believe it, and now – it is too late, too late!

Darcy

Let us hope not. Is what you have told me certain – absolutely certain?

Elizabeth

Oh, yes. They left Brighton together on Sunday night. They are certainly not gone to Scotland.

Darcy

And what has been done, or attempted, to recover your sister?

Elizabeth

My father has gone to London. He will beg my uncle Gardiner's assistance. But nothing can be done! I know very well that nothing can be done. How is such a man to be worked on? How are they ever to be discovered? I have not the smallest hope. It is all horrible!

Darcy

Miss Bennet, I have made a wretched mistake in all this. Would to Heaven that anything could be said or done on my part that might make you reparation, or offer consolation to such distress!

[Elizabeth sinks sobbing into a chair while Darcy walks up and down in deep thought. In a moment a carriage is heard outside – then voices.]

Darcy

[Looking out.] Mr. and Mrs. Collins are returning. What would you wish me to do?

Elizabeth

Oh, I do not know! I do not know!

Darcy

[Returning to Elizabeth, speaks quickly and in deep concern.] You really wish to return home at once?

Elizabeth

[Rising from her chair.] Oh, yes, yes – at once. [Reaching her hand to him appealingly.] Take me home, Mr. Darcy! Take me home!

[At this instant Mr. and Mrs. Collins appear at the garden door, and, transfixed with astonishment, stand gazing at Darcy and Elizabeth.]

ACT IV

The Lawn and Shrubbery at Longbourn. Mrs. Bennet is seated in a garden chair with pillows at her back. She has an umbrella over her head. Near her stands a table on which are bottles, dishes, etc. She wears a big cap, and is gowned in a widely-flowing, flowered chamber-robe, over which is fastened a shawl; across her knees is a lap-robe. Her entire get-up is grotesque and laughable. About her hover the housekeeper, Hill and Jane.

Jane

Dear mamma, do try and take some of this nice gruel. You will be ill if you do not eat something.

Hill

Yes, do, I beg of you, Madam. Now that you are once more in the air, if you will only take some food you will feel much better.

Mrs. Bennet

[Fretfully.] How can I feel better? I must be ill. It is all very well for the rest of you, now that this disgrace has been brought upon me – but if I had been able to carry my point – if I could have gone to Brighton with all my family, this would never have happened. But poor dear Lydia had nobody to take care of her. Oh, that villainous Wickham! I am sure there was some great neglect or other somewhere, for Lydia is not the kind of girl to run away with a man. But no one would listen to me. I was overruled, as I always am. Poor Lydia! Poor dear child!

Jane

[Soothingly.] Oh, mamma, try to be calm.

Hill

Yes, Madam, this excitement is so bad for you.

Mrs. Bennet

How can I help being excited? You have no feelings. Here is Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight that abominable Wickham and be killed. And then what is to become of us all? The Collinses will turn us out before Mr. Bennet is cold in his grave.

Jane

Oh, mamma, do not have such terrific ideas.

Mrs. Bennet

[Weeping.] If my brother Gardiner is not kind to me, I do not know what we shall do.

Jane

Yes, yes. My Uncle Gardiner is very kind. He is doing everything in his power for us. He is helping my father now in London, you know. I hope he will find Lydia, and perhaps he may be able to arrange a marriage after all. You must not give up so, dear mamma.

Hill

No indeed, Madam. You must not indeed.

Mrs. Bennet

[Brightening.] Yes, Jane, that is true. My brother may be able to see that they are married. Write to him at once, Jane. Tell him to find them out wherever they may be, and if they are not married already, make them marry. Oh, I do think that Wickham is the wickedest young man in the world to so deceive my poor innocent Lydia. But, Jane, go and write my brother and tell him that Lydia need not wait for wedding clothes – don't let her even give directions till she has seen me, for she doesn't know which are the best warehouses. And oh, Jane, tell my brother to keep your father from fighting that hateful Wickham. Tell him what a dreadful state I am in.

Jane

Yes, mamma. [She is about to go.]

Mrs. Bennet

Where are you going?

Jane

Why, to write the letter, mamma.

Mrs. Bennet

[Fretfully.] Oh, not just this minute. Don't leave me alone. Where is Lizzy?

Jane

She has gone down the road to meet the post. She hopes to bring you good news.

Mrs. Bennet

[Lamenting.] She had better stay here and be of some help. She has only just got home and now she leaves me. But nobody thinks of me. Nobody knows what I suffer. I am frightened out of my wits. I have such tremblings and flutterings all over me – such spasms in my side – and pains in my head, and such beatings at my heart. Oh, I can get no rest by night or by day! [To Hill.] You might try and do something, Hill. Where is my soothing draught?

Hill

[Looking.] Here, Madam. No, I must have left it in your room. I will run fetch it. [She goes out quickly.]

Jane

[Who has been looking off toward the driveway during part of this tirade.] Oh, mamma – mamma! Lizzy's running up the drive. She is smiling! She has some good news, I am sure.

Mrs. Bennet

Take care, Jane. You are exciting me. Oh, my poor nerves.

[Elizabeth enters, breathless. She has a letter in her hand.]

Elizabeth

Oh, good news – good news, Jane! – mamma! They are married!

Jane

Oh, Lizzy – Lizzy!

Mrs. Bennet

You are sure, Lizzy? Don't excite me. You are sure?

Elizabeth

[Half laughing and half crying.] Oh, yes, 'tis certain. My dear Aunt Gardiner has written me all about it. They are really married! Oh, how good my uncle is! [She kisses the letter.]

Mrs. Bennet

Oh, Jane – Oh, Lizzy! My dear, dear Lydia! She is really married! I shall see her again! Oh, my good, kind brother! But how did it happen, Lizzy?

Jane

Yes, tell us all about it. Let me read it. [She reaches for the letter.]

Elizabeth

[Keeping the letter.] No, I will tell you. Well, my father and my uncle succeeded in finding Lydia. My aunt does not tell me just how it was done.

Mrs. Bennet

[Triumphantly.] And your father found that they were married after all. I told him —

Elizabeth

No, mamma. They were not married, and they had no idea of being – but my father and uncle insisted upon it. They took Lydia away at once to my aunt's house and from there, they were married only yesterday at St. Clement's Church.

Mrs. Bennet

St. Clement's – fine!

Elizabeth

My dear good uncle has arranged to have all Mr. Wickham's debts paid and my father is to settle an allowance on Lydia.

Jane

But where are they? What are they going to do?

Elizabeth

My father is coming home at once. He may be here at any moment. At first he would not consent to let Lydia and Wickham come to us, but my aunt and uncle urged it – and my father knew how anxious mamma would be – and so they are coming here too.

Jane

At once?

Elizabeth

Yes, directly, to-day.

Mrs. Bennet

Oh, my dear Lydia! How I long to see her, and to see my dear Wickham too. But the clothes, the wedding clothes! I must write to my Sister Gardiner about them directly.

[She tries to get out of the chair.]

Jane

Oh, mamma, there is plenty of time for that.

Mrs. Bennet

Well, perhaps so. My dear, dear Lydia! How merry we shall all be together! I am so happy! Lydia married. She is Mrs. Wickham. How well it sounds. My dear Jane, I must see about the clothes. We will settle with your father about the money later. Oh, I am in such a flutter! Here comes Hill. [Hill enters with the bottle.] My dear Hill, have you heard the news? Miss Lydia is married and is coming home directly.

Hill

Indeed!

Mrs. Bennet

Yes, you shall all have a bowl of punch, to make merry for her wedding, and I am going into the house to write about the clothes. [To Jane, who is going with her.] No, Jane, you stay where you are. I know what I am about. Come, Hill. Think of it – Mrs. Wickham!

[She goes out leaning on Hill's arm, leaving Jane and Elizabeth together.]

Jane

Oh, Lizzy, how relieved and happy we should be. Is not it wonderful? [Anxiously.] Are you sure it is true? Have you told us all?

Elizabeth

Yes, Jane, it is true. They are really married. And for this we are to be thankful. In spite of Lydia's folly and Wickham's wretched character, we are to rejoice. How strange it is! Heigh-ho!

Jane

[Putting out her hand for the letter which Elizabeth still carries.] May not I read the letter, Lizzy?

Elizabeth

No, not now, dear. My aunt has some queer notions in her head. Later perhaps. [After a pause.] I am very sorry now that in my agitation I told Mr. Darcy about this wretched affair. Now that it has come out so well, he need never have known anything about it, and it would have saved me a great deal of mortification.

Jane

But how would you ever have explained things to Charlotte and Mr. Collins without his help? Mr. Darcy made everything so smooth and plausible for your sudden departure.

Elizabeth

Yes, that is true.

Jane

Really, Lizzy, I think I shall have to take up the cudgels in Mr. Darcy's defence. His kindness to you has quite won my heart, and his amazing proposal was certainly a most flattering compliment. Why can you see no good in Mr. Darcy, Lizzy? You were always so full of excuses for Wickham, though it is true his open and delightful manners deceived us all.

Elizabeth

Yes, there certainly was some great mismanagement in the education of those two young men. One has all the goodness and the other all the appearance of it.

Jane

I never thought Mr. Darcy so deficient in the appearance of it as you did, and he certainly could hardly have had the friends he has if he did not possess some good qualities. [Shyly.] Lizzy, have you heard that Mr. Bingley is back in Netherfield?

Elizabeth

[Astonished.] Oh, Jane, no. When did he come? Have you seen him?

Jane

No; I hardly expect to see him.

Elizabeth

[Brightly.] Yes, you will, if he has returned. [Suddenly clapping her hands.] Oh, I understand. [Kissing her.] My darling Jane, you are going to be very happy!

Jane

Lizzy dear – don't, don't. That is all over now, and besides I don't want to be happy unless you can be, too.

Elizabeth

Oh, forty Mr. Bingleys wouldn't make me happy. Till I have your disposition, I never can have happiness. No, no, let me shift for myself. Perhaps if I have very good luck I may meet with another Mr. Collins in time.

Harris

[Entering.] Mr. Bennet has returned, Madam, and is looking for you.

Jane

Papa returned!

Elizabeth

Where is he, Harris? [Looking off.] There he comes! Papa!

[They run to meet Mr. Bennet, and, bringing him in, seat him in a garden chair, one on either side of him.]

Elizabeth

Papa, tell us all about it quickly – quickly.

Jane

Are they really married, papa?

Mr. Bennet

Yes, that misfortune is well settled on them. They are married fast enough.

Elizabeth

And where are they? When will they be here?

Mr. Bennet

I should say they would be here directly. I didn't care to travel with them, but they are not far behind – only just far enough to keep out of the dust of my post chaise.

Elizabeth

Dear papa – how you must have suffered!

Mr. Bennet

Say nothing of that – who should suffer but myself? It has been my own doing, and I ought to feel it.

Elizabeth

You must not be too severe upon yourself.

Mr. Bennet

You may well warn me against such an evil. No, Lizzy, let me once in my life feel how much I have been to blame. The impression will pass away soon enough.

Elizabeth

But, papa, how did you persuade them to marry?

Mr. Bennet

I didn't persuade them; I haven't the means. It is all your uncle's doing. He has managed to buy Wickham for us.

Jane

Oh, dear good uncle!

Mr. Bennet

[Looks at Jane quizzically.] But there are two things that I want very much to know – one is how much money your uncle has laid down to bring it about, and the other, how I am ever to pay him.

Jane

But my uncle did not do it all?

Elizabeth

No, papa. My Aunt Gardiner has written me that you are to give Lydia an allowance.

Mr. Bennet

Yes, one hundred a year. Do you think that any man in his proper senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year?

Elizabeth

That is very true, though it had not occurred to me before. Oh, it must be my uncle's doings. Generous man! I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could not do all this.

Mr. Bennet

No, Wickham's a fool if he takes Lydia with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to think so ill of him in the very beginning of our relationship.

Elizabeth

Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is one-half such a sum to be repaid?

Mr. Bennet

That is what I should like to know.

Elizabeth

Well, my uncle's kindness can never be requited. If such goodness as his does not make Lydia miserable, then she will never deserve to be happy.

[Laughter and voices are heard outside.]

Elizabeth

Surely I hear voices. [Looking off.] Why, they have come. See papa – Jane – there are Lydia and Wickham.

Mr. Bennet

Yes, here they are. I will go to the library. I can receive their congratulations later. You know I am prodigiously fond of Wickham, Lizzy. I defy even Sir William Lucas himself to produce a more valuable son-in-law.

[He goes out.]

Jane

I must run and tell mamma.

[She is just starting when Wickham and Lydia enter. They are in travelling dress and are followed by servants bringing all sorts of bandboxes, wraps and parcels. They come in with the utmost unconcern and no shadow of shame.]

Lydia

Well, Jane, well, Lizzy, here we are!

Wickham

[Smiling and unabashed.] My sister, Jane – My sister Elizabeth.

[He kisses their hands. Jane and Elizabeth are confused and blushing. Neither Wickham nor Lydia is in the least discomposed.]

Lydia

[Looking about.] Good gracious! Here I am again! I am sure I had no idea of being married when I went away, though I thought it would be very good fun if I was. Why don't you take the boxes in, Harris? Wickham, have you seen my pink-flowered bandbox? [Looking over the parcels.] No, it isn't here. Oh, my dear Wickham, do go fetch it – you know 'tis the box with the white satin hat you bought me. I wouldn't lose it for the world. Go, go!

Wickham

Certainly, my dear. [To the girls.] You see how eagerly I embrace my new opportunities!

[He runs out, laughing.]

Lydia

[To Elizabeth and Jane.] Oh, girls, I am dying to give you an account of my wedding.

Elizabeth

I think there cannot be too little said on that subject.

Lydia

La, you are so strange. But Jane wants to hear, I know. Anyway, I want to tell you. Well, there was such a fuss! My aunt was preaching and talking away to me all the time I was dressing, just as if she was reading a sermon. I didn't hear one word in ten of it all. I was thinking of my dear Wickham. I longed to know whether he would be married in his blue coat. Well, we got to church, and then my uncle gave me a fright after we got there, because he was so late, and he was going to give me away, you know. But then, if he hadn't come, Mr. Darcy might have done as well.

Jane and Elizabeth

Mr. Darcy!

Lydia

Oh, yes, Darcy was there. He came along with Wickham. [Suddenly stopping.] But gracious me! I quite forgot. I ought not to have said a word about it. I promised them as faithfully – what will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret.

Jane

If it was to be a secret, Lydia, say not another word on the subject. We shall ask you no questions.

[Elizabeth looks most anxious, but says nothing.]

Lydia

Thank you – for if you did, I should certainly tell you all, and then Wickham would be angry. [She sees Mrs. Bennet, who enters in great excitement from the house.] Oh, there is mamma.

[They rush into each other's arms. Wickham returns at about the same time.]

Mrs. Bennet

Oh, my dear, dear Lydia! [To Wickham with affectionate warmth.] My dear Wickham!

[They also embrace.]

Lydia

Oh, mamma! Aren't you glad to see us? [Wickham turns and talks to Jane and Elizabeth.] Do all the people hereabouts know that I am married? I was afraid they might not, and so I let my hand just rest on the window-frame outside the carriage, so that everybody could see my wedding ring; and then I bowed and smiled like everything.

Mrs. Bennet

You may be sure, my dear, that everybody will rejoice with us in our good luck. [Sighing.] Your marriage is a great compensation to me after all my disappointment about Jane and Lizzy. I do not blame Jane, for she would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, Lydia, it is very hard to think she might now have been Mrs. Collins! But how about your clothes?