Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
FINAL SCRIPT<br />
I think it is well expressed.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
If he is disposed to make the girls any amends, I shall not be the person to discourage him.<br />
SCENE 10 - PARLOR - LONGBOURN – next evening – Sunday, November 17, 1811<br />
MR. HILL<br />
Mr. Bennet’s property consists in an estate of two thousand a year, which unfortunately for his<br />
daughters was entailed in default of a male heir. Mrs. Bennet’s fortune, though ample enough for<br />
her situation in life, could ill supply the deficiency of his, she has only four thousand pounds in all.<br />
(Enter the Bennets and Mr. Collins.)<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
Mrs. Bennet may I compliment you on having so fine a family of daughters; I had heard much of<br />
their beauty, but in this instance fame has fallen short of the truth. I do not doubt but you will see<br />
them all disposed of in marriage in due time.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
You are very kind, I am sure; and I wish with all my heart it may prove so, for else they will be<br />
destitute enough.<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
You allude, perhaps, to the entail of this estate.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
Ah! Sir, I do indeed.<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
I am very sensible, madam, of the hardship to my fair cousins, and could say much on the<br />
subject, but I am cautious of appearing forward. But I can assure the young ladies that I come<br />
prepared to admire them. At present I will not say more; but, perhaps, I shall when we are better<br />
acquainted—The dinner was most excellent; which of my fair cousins is owing the excellence of<br />
its cooking.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
We are very well able to keep a good cook; my daughters have nothing to do in the kitchen.<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
I beg your pardon for having displeased you.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
I am not at all offended.<br />
JANE<br />
Lady Catherine, your patroness, I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings. Rosings is a very extensive property.<br />
MRS. BENNET<br />
Ah! Then she is better off than many girls.<br />
LYDIA<br />
And what sort of young lady is she? Is she handsome?<br />
MR. COLLINS<br />
She is a most charming young lady indeed. Lady Catherine herself says that, in point of true<br />
beauty, Miss de Bourgh is far superior to the handsomest of her sex, because there is that in her<br />
features which marks a young lady of distinguished birth. She is unfortunately of a sickly<br />
constitution, which has prevented her from making progress in many accomplishments, which<br />
she could not have otherwise failed, as I am informed by the lady who superintended her<br />
education, and who still resides with them. But she is perfectly amiable, and often condescends<br />
to drive by my humble abode in her little phaeton and ponies. The garden in which stands my<br />
17
Change language