“Well,my dear,”said he,when she ceased speaking,“I have no more to say.If this be the case,he deserves you.I could not have parted with you,my Lizzy,to anyone less worthy.”
He then recollected her embarrassment a few days before,on his reading Mr. Collins's letter; and after laughing at her some time,allowed her at last to go―saying,as she quitted the room,“If any young men come for Mary or Kitty,send them in,for I am quite at leisure.”
This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted;and Elizabeth,rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself, soon went away. But before she had been three minutes in her own room,her mother followed her.
To complete the favourable impression,she then told him what Mr. Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with astonishment.
“My dearest child,”she cried,“I can think of nothing else!Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence.You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of,that I may have it to-morrow.”
Elizabeth had the satisfaction of seeing her father taking pains to get acquainted with him;and Mr.Bennet soon assured her that he was rising every hour in his esteem.