At length,however,Mrs.Bennet had no more to say;and Lady Lucas, who had been long yawning at the repetition of delights which she saw no likelihood of sharing,was left to the comforts of cold ham and chicken.Elizabeth now began to revive.But not long was the interval of tranquillity; for, when supper was over, singing was talked of, and she had the mortification of seeing Mary,after very little entreaty,preparing to oblige the company. By many significant looks and silent entreaties,did she endeavour to prevent such a proof of complaisance,but in vain;Mary would not understand them; such an opportunity of exhibiting was delightful to her, and she began her song. Elizabeth's eyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations,and she watched her progress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was very ill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving, amongst the thanks of the table,the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on to favour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another. Mary's powers were by no means fitted for such a display;her voice was weak,and her manner affected. Elizabeth was in agonies.She looked at Jane,to see how she bore it; but Jane was very composedly talking to Bingley. She looked at his two sisters,and saw them making signs of derision at each other, and at Darcy, who continued, however, imperturbably grave. She looked at her father to entreat his interference, lest Mary should be singing all night. He took the hint, and when Mary had finished her second song, said aloud,“That will do extremely well,child.You have delighted us long enough.Let the other young ladies have time to exhibit.”
Mary,though pretending not to hear,was somewhat disconcerted;and Elizabeth,sorry for her,and sorry for her father's speech,was afraid her anxiety had done no good. Others of the party were now applied to.
“If I,”said Mr.Collins,“were so fortunate as to be able to sing, I should have great pleasure,I am sure,in obliging the company with an air;for I consider music as a very innocent diversion,and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman.I do not mean,however,to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our time to music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to.The rector of a parish has much to do.In the first place,he must make such an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and not offensive to his patron. He must write his own sermons; and the time that remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the care and improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from making as comfortable as possible.And I do not think it of light importance that he should have attentive and conciliatory manner towards everybody, especially towards those to whom he owes his preferment.I cannot acquit him of that duty;nor could I think well of the man who should omit an occasion of testifying his respect towards anybody connected with the family.”And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, which had been spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room.Many stared—many smiled;but no one looked more amused than Mr.Bennet himself, while his wife seriously commended Mr. Collins for having spoken so sensibly,and observed in a half-whisper to Lady Lucas,that he was a remarkably clever,good kind of young man.