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PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 
 
 A PLAY 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 
 
 A PLAY 
 
 FOUNDED ON JANE AUSTENS 
 NOVEL 
 
 By 
 
 MRS. STEELE MACKAYE 
 
 NEW YORK 
 DUFFIELD AND COMPANY 
 
 1Q22 
 
Copyright, 1906, by 
 DUFFIKLD & COMPANY. 
 
 Published September, 1906. 
 
 SPECIAL COPYRIGHT NOTICE. 
 
 This play is fully protected by copyright, all requirements of the 
 law having been complied with. Performances may be given only 
 with the written permission of Duffield & Company, agents for 
 Mrs. Steele Mackaye, owner of the acting rights. 
 
 Extract from the law relating to copyright : 
 
 "SEC 4996. Any person publicly performing or representing 
 any dramatic or musical composition for which a copyright has 
 been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor of said 
 dramatic or musical composition or his heirs or assigns, shall be 
 liable for damages therefor, such damages in all cases to be as- 
 sessed at such sum not less than one hundred dollars for the first 
 and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance as to the Court 
 shall appear just. If the unlawful performance and representation 
 be wilful and not for profit, such person or persons shall be 
 guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction be imprisoned for a 
 period not exceeding one year. ' ' 
 
PERSONS OF THE PLAY 
 
 MR. DARCY — (of Pemberley, Derbyshire). "Possessed of a 
 fine tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and . . . 
 ten thousand a year . . . clever . . . haughty, re- 
 served and fastidious; his manners, though well-bred, were 
 not inviting. * Some people call him proud,* said Mrs. Rey- 
 nolds, the housekeeper at Pemberley, ' but I am sure I never 
 saw anything of it. . . . He is the best landlord and 
 the best master that ever lived.' " 
 
 MR. BINGLEY — (of Netherfield, Hertfordshire, Darcy's 
 Friend). "Just what a young man ought to be; sensible 
 and good-humoured, lively . . . such happy manners! 
 So much ease, with such perfect good breeding . . . 
 Also handsome, which a young man ought likewise to be 
 if he possibly can." 
 
 COLONEL FITZ WILLI AM— (Cousin to Darcy). "About 
 thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly 
 the gentleman." 
 
 MR. BENNET — (of Longbourn). "An odd mixture of quick 
 parts, sarcastic humour, reserve and caprice. He was fond 
 of the country and of books, and from these tastes had 
 arisen his principal enjoyments." 
 
 MR. COLLINS — (a Cousin of Mr. Bennet, and Next in the 
 Entail of Longbourn Estate). "A tall, heavy-looking 
 young man of five-and-twenty. His air was grave and 
 stately, and his manners very formal. His veneration 
 for his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourg, mingling with 
 a very good opinion of himself and of his authority as a 
 clergyman . . . made him altogether a mixture of 
 pride and obsequiousness, self-importance and humility" 
 
 £v9.J *i£l i 
 
vi PERSONS OF THE PLAY 
 
 SIR WILLIAM LUCAS — (an Intimate Friend and Neigh- 
 bour of the Bennets). "Formerly in trade in Meryton 
 . . . he had risen to the honour of knighthood by an 
 address to the King during his mayoralty. The distinction 
 had . . . given him a disgust to his business, and, 
 . . . quitting it, he had removed . . . to Lucas 
 Lodge, where he could think with pleasure of his own im- 
 portance, and . . . occupy himself solely in being civil 
 to all the world" 
 
 COLONEL FORSTER— (the Colonel of the Regiment 
 Stationed at Meryton). 
 
 MR. WICKHAM — (an Officer in the Regiment). "Endowed 
 with all the best parts of beauty — a fine countenance, 
 a good figure, and <a very pleasing address. As false 
 and deceitful as he is insinuating." 
 
 MR. DENNY — (Another Officer in the Regiment). 
 
 HARRIS — (thb Butler at Longbourn). 
 
 MRS. BENNET — (the Wife of Mr. Bennet). "A woman of 
 mean understanding, little information, and uncertain tem- 
 per. When she was discontented she fancied herself ner- 
 vous. The business of her life was to get her daughters 
 married; its solace was visiting and news." 
 
 JANE — (Eldest Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet). "She 
 united with great strength of feeling a composure of 
 temper and a uniform cheerfulness of manner. Her mild 
 and steady candour always pleaded allowances, and urged 
 the possibility of mistakes." 
 
 ELIZABETH — (Their Second Daughter). "Although not so 
 handsome as Jane, her face teas rendered uncommonly in- 
 telligent by the beautiful expression of her dark eyes. 
 She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in 
 anything ridiculous, with more quickness of observation 
 and less pliancy of temper than her sister. There was a 
 mixture of sioeetness and archness in her manner which 
 made it difficult for her to affront anybody." 
 
PERSONS OF THE PLAY vii 
 
 LYDIA — (Their Youngest Daughter). "A stout, well-grown 
 girl of fifteen, with a fine complexion and a good-humoured 
 countenance — a favourite with her mother, whose affection 
 had orought her into public at an early age." 
 
 LADY LUCAS— (the Wife of Sir William). " Not too clever 
 to be a valuable neighbour to Mrs. Bennet." 
 
 CHARLOTTE LUCAS— (Daughter of Sir William and 
 Lady Lucas). "A sensible, intelligent young woman, 
 about twenty-seven, . . . Elizabeth's intimate friend." 
 
 MISS BINGLEY— (Sister of Mr. Bingley). "A very pie 
 lady . . . but proud and conceited." 
 
 LADY CATHERINE DE BOURG— (Aunt of Darcy and 
 Patroness of Mr. Collins). "A tall, large woman, with 
 strongly marked features, which might once have been 
 handsome. Her air was not conciliating. . . . What- 
 ever she said, was spoken in so authoritative a tone as 
 marked her self-importance." 
 
 HILL — (the Housekeeper at Longbourn). 
 
 MARTHA — (the Maid at Mr. Collins's Parsonage). 
 
ACT I 
 
 The Dbawing-Room at Longbourn 
 
 ACT II 
 
 The Orangery at Netherfield 
 One Month Later 
 
 ACT III 
 
 Mr. Collins's Parsonage at Hunsford 
 Three Months Later 
 
 ACT IV 
 
 The Shrubbery at Longbourn 
 One Week Later 
 
 Place: England Time: 1796 
 
"In the novels of the last hundred years there are vast 
 numbers of young ladies with whom it might be a pleasure to 
 fall in love, — but to live with and to marry, I do not know that 
 any of them can come into competition with Elizabeth Bennet" 
 — George Saintsbury. Preface to the Peacock Edition of 
 "Pride and Prejudice." 
 
ACT I 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 
 
 A PLAY 
 
 ACT I 
 
 The drawing-room at Longboum. At the back, wide 
 glass doors open upon a terrace which overlooks an 
 English landscape. It is winter, and coals are burn- 
 ing in the fireplace. On each side of the glass doors 
 are rounded recesses with windows. On one side of 
 the room a door opens into the library. On the other 
 side is a door to the hall — the chief entrance of the 
 house. The room is handsomely furnished in eight- 
 eenth century style. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are 
 discovered sitting on either side of the table. Mrs. 
 Bennet is knitting — Mr. Bennet reading. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [After a slight pause and laying down her knitting.] 
 My dear Mr. Bennet, did not you hear me? Did you 
 know that Netherfield Park is let at last? 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 
 [Continues reading and does not answer."] 
 
2 PRIJ}E j AND' - PREJUDICE : A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Impatiently.'] Do not you want to know who has 
 taken it? 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 [Ceases reading and looks up at her with an amused 
 smile.] Yon want to tell me, and I have no objection to 
 hearing it. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [With animation.] Why, my dear, you must know Lady 
 Lucas says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of 
 large fortune from the North of England. His name is 
 Bingley, and he is single, my dear. Think of that, Mr. 
 Bennet ! A single man of large fortune ; four or five thou- 
 sand pounds a year. What a fine thing for our girls ! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 How so? How can it affect them? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 My dear Mr. Bennet, how can you be so tiresome ! You 
 must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of 
 them. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Is that his design in settling here? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Design ! — Nonsense ! How can you talk so ? But it is 
 very likely that he will fall in love with one of them, and 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 3 
 
 therefore you must visit him as soon as you can. Con- 
 sider your daughters, Mr. Bennet ! Only think what an 
 establishment it would be for one of them ! Sir William 
 and Lady Lucas are determined to go merely on that ac- 
 count. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for 
 us to visit him if you do not. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 [Who has risen during this last speech and now stands 
 with his lack to the fire, facing Mrs. Bennet.] You 
 are overscrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will 
 be very glad to see you, and I will send a few lines to 
 assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying which- 
 ever he chooses of the girls — though I must throw in a 
 good word for my little Lizzy. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Sharply."] I desire you will do no such thing ! Lizzy 
 is not a bit better than the others. She is not half as hand- 
 some as Jane, nor as good-humoured as Lydia. But you 
 are always giving her the preference. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Not unless she deserves it, my dear. But in this par- 
 ticular instance my poor little Lizzy is the only one who 
 is unprovided for. Lydia and the others belong in the 
 schoolroom, and you tell me that Mr. Collins has already 
 spoken for Jane. 
 
4 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, that odious Mr. Collins ! I wish he had never come 
 here. I wish I might never hear his name again ! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 
 Mr. Collins odious! You surprise me! I thought that 
 he had won your full approval. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Fretfully.] Oh, well, since he had to be your cousin, 
 and since you will not do anything about the entail, I 
 suppose it will be a mercy if he does marry Jane. [Half 
 crying.] But I do think, Mr. Bennet, it is the hardest 
 thing in the world that we have no son of our own, so that 
 your property has to be entailed away from your own 
 wife and children, so if you should die, we may all be 
 turned out of the house whenever this Mr. Collins pleases. 
 [In bewailing tone.] He certainly does seem to have all 
 the luck in the world. Here he has just got this good 
 living from that grand Lady Catherine de Bourg. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 But, my dear, that will soon be your luck, as well. You 
 forget that your daughter is to profit by it. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, perhaps. I don't know about that, but, [With 
 renewed excitement.] I do know that it is too monstrous 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 5 
 
 that after you are gone I shall be forced to make way for 
 this man and live to see him master in this house ! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts. 
 Let us hope for better things. Let us natter ourselves that 
 I may be the survivor. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [This is not very consoling to Mrs. Bennet; and 
 therefore, instead of making answer, she goes on as he- 
 fore.'] If it was not for the entail I should not mind it. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 What should not you mind ? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 I should not mind anything at all. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state 
 of such insensibility. But it certainly is a most iniquitous 
 affair, and nothing can clear Mr. Collins from the guilt 
 of inheriting Longbourn. However, you know he is doing 
 his best to mend matters. He has not only handsomely 
 apologised for his fault, but he has now assured us of his 
 readiness to make every possible amends by marrying one 
 of the girls. Surely, my dear, you must acknowledge that 
 this plan is excessively generous on his part. 
 
6 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Dolefully.] Well, I suppose it might be worse. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 [Cheerfully.] Decidedly worse. With Jane so well 
 settled, and a single man like Mr. Bingley in prospect, 
 I think yon should be quite cheerful. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Excited once more.] Mr. Bingley! We shall never 
 know Mr. Bingley. Oh, Mr. Bennet, you take delight in 
 vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 You mistake, my dear. I have a high respect for your 
 nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you men- 
 tion them with consideration these twenty years at least. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Ah ! You do not know what I suffer. 
 
 Lydia. 
 [Bursting into the room, followed by Jane.] Oh, 
 that horrid practice! [Looking back at Jane.] Jane 
 does so keep me at it. [Throwing herself into a chair.] 
 La, Fm tired to death. 
 
 Jane. 
 [Who sees that her mother is half crying, goes and 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 7 
 
 stands behind her chair, puts her hand affectionately on 
 her shoulder, and bends over her.] Does your head ache, 
 mamma ? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Of course my head aches. Your father is so teasing. 
 I cannot persuade him to call on Mr. Bingley at Nether- 
 field, so I suppose we shall never know him. 
 
 Jane. 
 [Smiling.'] But you forget, mamma, that we shall meet 
 him at the assemblies, and Lady Lucas has promised to 
 introduce him. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 I do not believe Lady Lucas will do any such thing. She 
 has daughters of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical 
 woman, and I have no opinion of her. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 No more have I, and I am glad to find that you do not 
 depend on her serving you. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 I may have to depend on her after all, Mr. Bennet, 
 since you will do nothing to help me. [Fretfully to Lydia, 
 who has been yawning and coughing.] Don't keep cough- 
 ing, Lydia, for Heaven's sake! Have a little compassion 
 on my nerves. 
 
 [Lydia pouts and looks unutterable things.] 
 
8 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 
 Lydia has no discretion in her coughs. She times them 
 ill. 
 
 Lydia. 
 
 I do not cough for my own amusement, papa. Jane, 
 when is your next ball ? 
 
 Jane. 
 To-morrow fortnight. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Starting excitedly.'] Ay, so it is — and Lady Lucas 
 does not come back till the day before. So you see it will 
 be impossible for her to introduce Mr. Bingley, for she 
 will not know him herself. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your 
 friend, and you can introduce Mr. Bingley to her. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Impossible, Mr. Bennet, when I am not acquainted with 
 him myself. How can you be so teasing? 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaint- 
 ance is certainly very little. But if we do not venture, 
 somebody else will, and if you decline the office I will take 
 it upon myself. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 9 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [As the two girls stare at their father.] Oh, nonsense 
 — nonsense ! I am sick of Mr. Bingley ! 
 
 Me. Bennet. 
 I am sorry to hear that ; but why did not you tell me so 
 before ? If I had known as much a week ago, I certainly 
 should not have called upon him. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Springing from her chair and throwing her arms about 
 Mr. Bennet's neck.'] What! You have really called 
 upon him ? Oh, how good in you, my dear Mr. Bennet ! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the 
 visit — and as he will very likely return it at any time, and 
 bring his friend, Mr. Darcy, with him — we cannot now 
 avoid the acquaintance of Mr. Bingley and his party. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, my dear Mr. Bennet, I was sure you loved your 
 girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance. [Mr. 
 Bennet deftly takes her hands from his shoulders. She 
 stands looking fondly at him.] Well, how pleased I am! 
 And it was such a good joke that you should have already 
 paid Mr. Bingley a visit and never said a word about it. 
 
10 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Yes. Yes. Well, I must go to the library. [He goes 
 to the door, but stops for a moment.'] Now, Lydia, you can 
 cough as much as you choose. [He goes out.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Looking after Mr. Bennet.] What an excellent 
 father you have, girls! [Turns to the girls.] I do not 
 know how you will ever make him amends for his kind- 
 ness, or me either, for that matter. At our time of life 
 it is not so pleasant to be making new acquaintances every 
 day. But for your sakes we would do anything. [Loohing 
 about her.] Where is Lizzy? Lydia, my love, where is 
 your sister? 
 
 Lydia. 
 Oh, she is out walking with Charlotte Lucas and that 
 dismal Mr. Collins. 
 
 Mrs. Benket. 
 Lizzy — out walking with Mr. Collins? Why didn't you 
 go, Jane? 
 
 Jane. 
 I had to practise with Lydia. 
 
 Lydia. 
 
 Fm sure I would have excused you. But what is Mr. 
 Collins here for, mamma ? I am sure I caught Mr. Wick- 
 ham and Colonel Forster laughing at him the day we went 
 to Meryton. Why does papa have a cousin like that? 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 11 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 He really cannot help it. It is the entail, my love — 
 [Mysteriously.] But I hope that all you girls will be very 
 civil to him, Jane especially. 
 
 Jane. 
 I — mamma ? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Embarrassed.] Yes — my love. — You see 
 
 [She is interrupted by the sound of laughter outside, 
 and Elizabeth's voice.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Very well, Mr. Collins. 
 
 [Mrs. Bennet makes a sudden awed gesture of silence 
 to the girls, who fail to understand. Elizabeth 
 enters by the glass doors. She is dressed in winter 
 walking costume: a large hat, — fur-trimmed pele- 
 rine, and a large muff. She stops in the doorway 
 and looks at Mrs. Bennet, half puzzled and 
 smiling.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Well, what is it, mamma ? What is the matter ? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Nothing. Hush ! What have you done with Mr. Collins ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Laughing.] Oh, Mr. Collins is safe! He has gone 
 round to the library. 
 
12 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [With a sigh of relief.'] How providential! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking back.'] But I have brought someone else 
 with me. 
 
 [Mr. Wickham and Charlotte Lucas come in gaily.] 
 
 All. 
 [Exclaiming.] Oh, Mr. Wickham! 
 
 Wickham. 
 [To Mrs. Bennet.] How do you do, Mrs. Bennet? 
 This is indeed a pleasure. [Going over to Jane.] Miss 
 Bennet, I am so glad to see you. [Reproachfully.] You 
 were not with our party! [To Lydia.] Why do you 
 never come to Meryton, Miss Lydia? Mr. Denny is quite 
 downcast. 
 
 Lydia. 
 [Pouting.] La, Mr. Denny! 
 
 Wickham. 
 And many others beside him, Miss Lydia. 
 
 [Lydia giggles. Wickham returns to Mrs. Bennet.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, 'tis an age since we saw you, Mr. Wickham. 
 What have you been doing? 
 
 Wickham. 
 Colonel Forster keeps me so busy that I have no time 
 for enjoyment. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 13 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, Mr. Wickham bears all the marks of an harassed 
 and overworked man. 
 
 Wickham. 
 [Bowing to Elizabeth.] Thank yon, Miss Elizabeth. 
 You have given me the very terms I needed. [To Mrs. 
 Bennet.] Yon see before yon, Mrs. Bennet, an harassed 
 and overworked man. Miss Elizabeth will bear witness 
 that I was on my way to a business appointment when 
 I yielded to temptation and went off for a walk with her 
 and Miss Lucas and their irreproachable escort. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 And Miss Elizabeth will also testify that you yielded 
 with the celerity and ease of long practice. 
 
 Wickham. 
 [Laughing; to Elizabeth.] But in this case who was 
 the tempter? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, I will admit that Mr. Collins was partially re- 
 sponsible. 
 
 [All laugh.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Come, Lizzy, you have been talking to Mr. Wickham 
 all the morning. Now, let some of the rest of us have 
 a chance. [Turning to Wickham.] You must stay to 
 dinner, Mr. Wickham. 
 
14 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 I wish I might. That is indeed a temptation. But you 
 know Miss Elizabeth has just reminded me of my duty. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, nobody ever minds Lizzy ! 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 Truly, I cannot to-day, Mrs. Bennet. It is too bad, but 
 I am to meet Colonel Forster [Smiling at Elizabeth] on 
 important business at the Drake Farm. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, I am very sorry. 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 [Hesitatingly.] I might perhaps bring Colonel Forster 
 in for a few moments on the way back — that is, if we re- 
 turn this way. 
 
 All. 
 
 Oh, yes, do. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, indeed. Tell Colonel Forster we should be de- 
 lighted to see him. 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 Thank you, I will. But now I really must be gone. 
 [Bowing brightly to Jane and Lydia.] Good morning. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 15 
 
 [To Charlotte Lucas.] Good morning, Miss Lucas. 
 You must let me hear more about those clever plans of 
 yours. I am vastly interested in them. [To Elizabeth.] 
 Good morning, Miss Elizabeth. [Laughing.] You must 
 try to temper your justice with mercy the next time I 
 join you in a walk. [Pausing, he loolcs at Mrs. Bennet, 
 who is standing between her daughters.] Do you know, 
 Mrs. Bennet, that you always remind me of one of my old 
 schoolboy phrases. Filice pulchrce! — Mater pulchrior! 
 Good-bye. 
 
 [He runs off laughing. He has only gone a few steps 
 
 when Lydia, who has been standing close to the 
 
 door, runs out and calls to him.] 
 
 Lydia. 
 Oh, Mr. Wickham ! 
 
 [Wickham turns and Lydia runs up to him and 
 whispers something in his ear. Wickham laughs, 
 then shahes his finger at her, still laughing, and 
 goes off. Lydia stops outside and watches him.] 
 
 Jane. 
 Really, mamma, I think you should speak to Lydia. 
 She is too forward. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Nonsense ! You are jealous. 
 
 Jane. 
 Jealous ! Of Lydia ? 
 
16 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, she is no more forward than any of you. All you 
 girls are crazy about Mr. Wickham. [Indulgently.] But 
 I can't wonder at it. He certainly is a most engaging 
 young man. What were those French words he said to 
 me as he went out, Lizzy? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 They were Latin, dear. He paid a very charming com- 
 pliment to our pretty mamma. He said — The daughters 
 are lovely, but the mother is lovelier. You know papa 
 always says that you are handsomer than any of us. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 My dear Lizzy, I certainly have had my share of beauty, 
 but I don't pretend to be anything extraordinary now. 
 [Mr. Collins enters.] Oh, Mr. Collins, there you are. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Bowing profoundly.] I do not find Mr. Bennet in the 
 library, Madam. Do you know where he is ? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Why, really, Mr. Collins, I can't imagine. Did you 
 enjoy your walk? 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Most assuredly, Madam. The beauties of nature, not 
 only in the landscape, but also [Bowing to Elizabeth and 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 17 
 
 Charlotte Lucas.] in the blooming countenances of my 
 fair companions, made our expedition a peculiarly en- 
 joyable one. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, I am very glad of it, I am sure. [To Jane and 
 Ltdia.] Girls, we haven't told Lizzy and Charlotte the 
 news. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 What news, mamma? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Looking at Charlotte with an ill-concealed triumph.] 
 Oh, nothing of consequence, Lizzy, only your father has 
 just told us that we may expect a visit at any time from 
 our new neighbour, Mr. Bingley, and that friend of his 
 who is stopping with him. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, Mr. Bingley ! That will be entertaining. [Suddenly 
 with mischief she turns to Mr. Collins, who all through 
 this latter conversation has been staring at Jane with 
 solemn persistence.] Do not you think so, Mr. Collins? 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Starting from his absorption.] Eh? What? [Pomp- 
 ously again.] Excuse me, Miss Elizabeth, on what subject 
 did you ask my opinion? 
 
18 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I asked you if you didn't think it was a very pleasant 
 thing to meet new neighbours. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Most assuredly, Miss Elizabeth, if those neighbours are 
 possessed of those qualifications which redound to their 
 own credit, and to the edification of their friends. Other- 
 wise, as a clergyman, I must hesitate in my approval. [To 
 Mrs. Bennet.] You realise, I am sure, Madam, the 
 caution which should ever be exercised where my amiable 
 young cousins are concerned. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, mamma, you really should be cautious. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 Nonsense! Why, my dear Mr. Collins, we have found 
 out all about them. Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are con- 
 nected with some of the most respectable families in 
 England. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 
 [In amazement.'] Mr. Darcy? Mr. Fitzgerald Darcy! 
 My dear Madam, can it be possible that you are to be 
 honoured by a visit from him? Respectable indeed! Why, 
 he is the nephew of my noble patroness, Lady Catherine 
 de Bourg. It is true that I have never yet had the honour 
 of meeting him — but he frequently visits his aunt, and 
 she has promised to bring him on some occasion to inspect 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 19 
 
 my humble abode. I am surprised, indeed, by this civility 
 on his part. [Anxiously.] I only fear there may be some 
 mistake, for Mr. Darcy has the reputation of possessing 
 a very natural pride of birth; but if your information is 
 indeed to be relied upon, I think Lady Catherine would 
 consent to my approval of this visit, provided my fair 
 cousins will keep in mind the proper attitude of respectful 
 humility which should be assumed toward a person of his 
 superior station. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 We will promise you, Mr. Collins, never for one instant 
 to forget either Mr. Darcy's exalted position or our own 
 insignificance. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Looking at her with admiration.] With that assur- 
 ance, Miss Elizabeth, I think even Lady Catherine would 
 be satisfied. So I need no longer withhold my sanction. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Curtsying.] We thank you, sir. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 This is the very attitude of mind I could desire. [To 
 Mrs. Bennet.] I think, with your permission, I will now 
 retire again to the library. [Going over smilingly to Jane.] 
 There was a volume of Fordyce's sermons that you may 
 remember I was reading to you in this room yesterday. I 
 
20 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 do not find it in the library. Do yon know where it is? 
 [Looking about him.] 
 
 Jane. 
 I haven't seen it, Mr. Collins. I will try to find it for 
 you. [She starts as if to go out of the room."] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Wishing to leave them together.] No — no, Lydia will 
 find it. Lydia, my love, go see if you can find the sermons 
 for Mr. Collins. 
 
 [Lydia, with a grimace, rises slowly from her chair.] 
 
 Charlotte Lucas. 
 Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I am quite sure that I saw the book 
 in the hall. I will go fetch it. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Sharply.] On no account, Charlotte. Lydia will find 
 the book. Lizzy, go and get the mud off your shoes. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Oh, I will not trouble any of you ladies. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 It is no trouble, Mr. Collins. Charlotte, if you will 
 come with me, I have a parcel I should like to send your 
 mother. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 21 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 
 But I assure you, Madam 
 
 [As they go out, Mrs. Bennet — looking daggers at 
 Charlotte — tries to keep Mr. Collins with 
 Jane.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Lydia will find your book, Mr. Collins. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 
 On no account, Madam 
 
 [With awkward gallantry Mr. Collins ushers out the 
 ladies — Lydia rebellious, Charlotte somewhat 
 offended.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [With an amused smile, having watched the party van- 
 ish, turns to Jane and speaks to her in mock-heroic 
 fashion.] Miss Bennet ! Do you realise the honour which 
 is so soon to fall upon our humble home, and our grate- 
 fully humble selves? 
 
 Jane. 
 
 [Smiling.'] Oh, Lizzy ! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Do you really grasp in its full significance the fact that 
 we may soon be honoured by a visit from Mr. Bingley of 
 
22 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Netherfield and Mr. Fiztgerald Darcy, nephew of the Lady 
 Catherine de Bourg? 
 
 Jane. 
 Oh, Lizzy, Mr. Collins is a little pompons, but he seems 
 a very well-meaning young man — indeed, sometimes quite 
 agreeable. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking quizzically, but affectionately, at her sister.] 
 No one can be anything but agreeable in the mind of our 
 dear Jane. This time, however, I quite agree with you, 
 I am as delighted as papa with Mr. Collins. I can see 
 that his mixture of servility and importance promises well. 
 
 Jane. 
 And I think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy promise well. 
 If the half of what our neighbours say is true, Mr. Bing- 
 ley will give us all sorts of gaieties. [Slyly.] Who 
 knows ? We may find him as entertaining as Mr. Wickham. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 As Mr. Wickham? Then, dear Jane, we shall be rich 
 indeed. [Counting on her fingers.] For hospitality — 
 Mr. Bingley; for conversation — Mr. Wickham; for grand- 
 eur — Mr. Darcy, and the agreeable Mr. Collins ! 
 
 Jane. 
 
 Oh, Lizzy ! Can not you let the poor man alone ? 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 23 
 
 Elizabeth 
 With all my heart. I will gladly let him alone. You 
 shall have him all to yourself. [Mischievously.] If only 
 Mr. Collins knew your good opinion of him! But he is 
 too modest to find it out for himself. 
 
 Jane. 
 [Playfully pulling Elizabeth's ear.'] You are a tease ! 
 
 Harris. 
 [Entering.] The two gentlemen from Netherfield have 
 just brought their horses into the paddock, Madam. 
 
 Jane. 
 Show them in, Harris, and speak to Mrs. Bennet at 
 once. 
 
 [Harris bows and goes out.] 
 
 Jane. 
 They have come soon, Lizzy. Really this is very civil 
 in them. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Uncommonly civil. Come with me, Jane. I must 
 make myself tidy. Mud and dirty petticoats for Mr. Darcy ! 
 — Oh, that would never do. 
 
 [They run off, laughing. There is a short pause. 
 Then Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy enter. The 
 latter is very quiet, with an air of scornful 
 
24 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 hauteur. Bingley, on the contrary, has a gracious 
 and animated manner. Harkis ushers them in, 
 much impressed.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [To Harris.] You will announce us to Mr. Bennet and 
 the ladies. 
 
 [Harris goes out.] 
 Do you know, Darcy, I believe that was George Wick- 
 ham we saw just now, going toward the Drake Farm. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Quietly.] I think there is no doubt of it. 
 
 Bingley. 
 But what is he doing here? 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 [With assumed indifference.] Probably it is his regi- 
 ment which is stationed at Meryton. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Excitedly.] No, Darcy! You don't mean it! Why, 
 confound it, if I had had any notion of that — I . . . 
 I . . . 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Contemptuously.] I don't think we need mind 
 Wickham. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 25 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 But I do mind ! To think that I should bring you into 
 the neighbourhood of that rascal 
 
 Daroy. 
 He must live somewhere, I suppose. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Yes, unfortunately. But, Darcy, you are a puzzle to 
 me. — You are, indeed! How can you speak with any 
 charity of a man who for years abused the patience and 
 generous kindness of your father, and who so lately has at- 
 tempted against your family the most dastardly action 
 that 
 
 Daroy. 
 
 [Interrupting him with hauteur.] We have already said 
 too much of George Wickham. I prefer not to discuss 
 him further. 
 
 [Bingley turns away hurt and embarrassed. Darcy 
 seeing the effect of his words and manner, goes to 
 him hindly, and speaks to him in a changed voice.'] 
 Bingley, I entirely understand your indignation. In- 
 deed, I share it so fully that I dare not trust myself to 
 think of the man's villainy. It is better that I say noth- 
 ing of him, even to you. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Moved.] I am sure, I beg your pardon, Darcy. 
 
26 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Darcy. 
 It is rather for me to ask yours. 
 
 [There follows an awkward pause, which Bingley at 
 length breaks by speaking in a tone of forced 
 gaiety.] 
 
 BltfGLEY. 
 
 Pretty place, this. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [With a shrug.] Very small. 
 
 Bingley. 
 What has the size to do with it ? I think we are in luck 
 to have such charming neighbours. You know we saw 
 two of the young ladies going through the lane the other 
 day. Why, Darcy, one of them is the most beautiful 
 creature I ever beheld — and the other— the one with the 
 dark eyes — she is uncommonly pretty. Don't you think so ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 She is tolerable, but fine eyes cannot change family 
 connections. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Quickly.] What do you mean? . 
 
 Darcy. 
 I think I have heard you say that their uncle is an 
 attorney in Meryton. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 27 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [Shortly.] Yes. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 And that they have another in London who lives some- 
 where near Cheapside. 
 
 BlNGLEY. . 
 
 [With irritation.] If they had uncles enough to fill 
 all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less hand- 
 some. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 But it must materially lessen their chances of marry- 
 ing men of any consideration in the world. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy, 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence 
 to young ladies. I am here to please you, Bingley — and — ■ 
 [He smiles meaningly.] knowing your disposition, I think 
 it is just as well that I came. 
 
 [Bingley is about to reply when the door opens 
 and Mrs. Bennet enters, followed by Jane and 
 
28 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. The two young men make ceremonious 
 lows. Mrs. Bennet curtsies and then advances 
 with delighted fussiness.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. 
 Bennet has gone for his walk. 
 
 [As she looks a little puzzled from one to the other, 
 Bingley advances.'] 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your 
 new neighbour at Netheriield. This is my friend, Mr. 
 Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbyshire. [All how and curtsy. ~] 
 Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, and we are 
 most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies 
 of his family. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 We are delighted to see you, I am sure ! Mr. Bingley — 
 Mr. Darcy — [Indicating Jane] — my eldest daughter, 
 Miss Bennet. [Indicating Elizabeth] — Miss Elizabeth 
 Bennet. 
 
 [The girls make low curtsies — the gentlemen low.] 
 Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [The guests and 
 ladies seat themselves.] I am sure you must like Nether- 
 field, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 29 
 
 that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting 
 it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and 
 therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfleld I should 
 probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, 
 [looking intently at Jane] I consider myself as quite 
 fixed here. 
 
 Jane. 
 
 It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, 
 although you must both miss London. There is so much 
 gaiety in London. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a con- 
 fined and unvarying society. 
 
 [Mrs. Bennet looks vexed at this speech.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 But people themselves alter so much that there is some- 
 thing new to be observed in them forever. 
 
 [Darcy turns and looks at Elizabeth with surprise 
 and interest.] 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Then you are a student of character, Miss Elizabeth. It 
 must be an amusing study. 
 
SO PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, Lizzy always likes to watch people. {Looking at 
 Darcy.] And there are plenty of people about, even if 
 you do live in the country. The country is a vast deal 
 pleasanter than London, is not it, Mr. Bingley ? 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 When I am in the country I never wish to leave it, and 
 when I am in town it is pretty much the same. They have 
 each their advantages and I am equally happy in either. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Ay — that is because you have the right disposition. 
 [Looking at Darcy.] But that gentleman seemed to think 
 the country was nothing at all. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Quickly.] Indeed, mamma, you are mistaken. You 
 quite mistook Mr. Darcy. He only meant that there is 
 not such a variety of people to be met with in the country 
 as in town, which you must acknowledge to be true. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Certainly, my dear, nobody said there was — but as to 
 not meeting with many people in this neighbourhood, I 
 believe there are few neighbourhoods larger. I know we 
 dine with four-and-twenty families. 
 
 [As all become embarrassed at this speech, Bingley 
 comes to the rescue.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 31 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Yes, there are many fine estates hereabout. Can you 
 see Sir William Lucas' place from the garden ? I am not 
 quite sure I have placed it. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, yes, there is a fine view of the chimneys from the 
 terrace. Sir William is our nearest neighbour. Such an 
 
 agreeable man — so genteel, and so easy [Rising, she 
 
 goes toward the glass doors.] Come, Jane, we must show 
 Mr. Bingley Sir William's chimneys. 
 
 [Mrs. Bennet, Bingley, and Jane go out upon the 
 terrace.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Smiling mischievously.] Would not you also like to 
 see the chimneys, Mr. Darcy? 
 
 Darcy. 
 Thank you. Like yourself, I prefer people to places 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Did I say that? 
 
 Darcy. 
 Not precisely. But I have drawn that conclusion. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Gathering her sewing materials, begins to embroider.] 
 Well, I can laugh at people better than places, and I dearly 
 love a laugh. 
 
32 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Darcy. 
 Isn't that rather a dangerous trait, Miss Bennet? The 
 wisest and the best of men may be rendered ridiculous by 
 a person whose first object in life is a joke. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Certainly. But I hope I never ridicule what is wise 
 or good. Whims and inconsistencies do divert me, I own, 
 and I laugh at them whenever I can. [Mischievously.'] 
 But these, I suppose, are precisely what you are without. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 Perhaps that is not possible for anyone. But it has been 
 the study of my life to avoid those weaknesses which often 
 expose a strong understanding to ridicule. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 And in your list of weaknesses do you include such 
 faults as vanity and pride, for instance ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 Yes, vanity is a weakness, indeed, but pride, where there 
 is a real superiority of mind — pride will be always under 
 good regulation. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I am perfectly convinced, Mr. Darcy, that you have no 
 defect. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 33 
 
 Darcy. 
 I have made no such pretension, Miss Bennet. I have 
 faults enough. My temper I dare not vouch for. I can- 
 not forget the follies and vices of others against myself. 
 My good opinion once lost is lost forever. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 That is a failing, indeed. Implacable resentment is 
 a shade in a character. But you have chosen your fault 
 well. I really cannot laugh at it. You are safe from me. 
 
 Darcy. 
 There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to 
 some particular evil — a natural defect which not even the 
 best education can overcome. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 And your defect is a propensity to hate everybody. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Smiling.] And yours to wilfully misunderstand them. 
 [Voices are heard outside. Elizabeth applies her- 
 self to her embroidery. Bingley, Jane, and Mrs. 
 Bennet return from the terrace.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 
 The surrounding country is really charming, Mrs. 
 Bennet. 
 
34 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 We think so. But you must give us a ball at Nether- 
 field, Mr. Bingley, and then you will see that some of the 
 people who live here are worth knowing. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Distressed.] Oh, mamma! 
 
 Jane. 
 
 Mamma ! 
 
 Bingley. 
 Certainly, Mrs. Bennet. I had already decided upon it. 
 I told Mr. Darcy only yesterday that as soon as my sister, 
 Miss Bingley, arrived, and Nicholas could make white 
 soup enough, I should send out my cards. Did not I, 
 Darcy ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Very stiffly.] I believe you did. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, that is vastly good in you, Mr. Bingley; and then, 
 perhaps, your friend may change his mind about the 
 country. [To Darcy.] You didn't come to admire Sir 
 William's chimneys, Mr. Darcy. 
 
 Darcy. 
 I was admiring your daughter's work, Madam. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 35 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 Oh, you should see Jane's work. Lizzy is all for books, 
 like her father. She is a great reader and has no pleas- 
 ure in anything else. Jane, show your embroidered parrot 
 to Mr. Bingley. 
 
 Jane. 
 I do not think Mr. Bingley would be interested, ma'am. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Eagerly.] Oh, indeed, I should, Miss Bennet; I am 
 very much interested in parrots. — Pray show it to me. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, and the new hand-screen. I will find it for you. 
 [All three withdraw, leaving Elizabeth and Darcy 
 together.] 
 
 Darcy. 
 And so you are a great reader and take no pleasure in 
 anything else? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Mamma does not understand. I deserve neither such 
 praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader,, and I 
 have pleasure in many things. 
 
 Darcy. 
 So I should have thought. 
 
36 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [Looking at the screen which he holds in his hand.] 
 It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patience 
 to be so very accomplished as they are; to think how you 
 all paint tables and cover screens and net purses. It is 
 quite wonderful. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Do you agree with your friend, Mr. Darcy? 
 
 Daroy. 
 His list of the common extent of accomplishments has 
 too much truth. But I cannot boast of knowing more than 
 half a dozen young ladies in the whole range of my ac- 
 quaintance that are really accomplished. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Then you must comprehend a great deal in your idea 
 of an accomplished woman. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a 
 thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, 
 and the modern languages. She must also possess a cer- 
 tain something in her air and manner of walking — the 
 tone of her voice — her address and expression, and to all 
 this she must yet add something more substantial — [With 
 a little bow to Elizabeth.] in the improvement of her 
 mind by extensive reading. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 37 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Laughing.'] I am no longer surprised at your know- 
 ing only six accomplished women! I rather wonder at 
 your knowing any. 
 
 Harris. 
 [Enters and announces.] Colonel Forster and Mr. 
 Wickham. 
 
 [ The gentlemen enter, smiling.'] 
 
 Wickham. 
 Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel 
 Forster had a message for the young ladies. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to 
 
 meet our new neighbours. [Introducing the gentlemen.] 
 
 Colonel Forster, Mr. Wickham — Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy. 
 
 [As the gentlemen enter, Mr. Darcy has his bach 
 
 turned to them in conversation with Elizabeth. 
 
 At the sound of Wickham's voice he starts and 
 
 turns so that he faces the latter just in time for the 
 
 introduction. At sight of Darcy, Wickham starts 
 
 and is greatly confused. Darcy stiffens and 
 
 scarcely nods when Wickham is introduced. The 
 
 whole situation is so marked that everyone looks 
 
 on with an astonishment to which Mrs. Bennet 
 
 gives audible expression.] 
 
38 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Well, well ! If ever there was a proud, stiff man 
 
 Jane. 
 [In a dismayed whisper.] Mamma! 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly.'] Oh, Mrs. Ben- 
 net, Fm sorry that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We — 
 we — were on the way to meet my steward — and we are 
 already late for the appointment. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Effusively.] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bing- 
 ley. But I hope you will come again. We must engage 
 you soon for dinner. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [In an absent and worried way.] It will be a pleasure. 
 [Then with lows, the party moves toward the door.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Bustling.] Your best way to the paddock is by the 
 terrace. 
 
 [The gentlemen have almost reached the glass doors 
 when Mr. Collins comes in excitedly, putting him- 
 self directly in the way of Bingley and Darcy.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 39 
 
 by a singular accident that there is now in this room a 
 near relation of my patroness Lady Catherine de Bourg. 
 Will you present me? 
 
 [He looks enquiringly from one to the other of the 
 young men.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Mr. Bingley, allow me to present my cousin, Mr. Collins 
 — Mr. Darcy — Mr. Collins. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Talcing almost no notice of Mr. Bingley, he greets Mr. 
 Darcy with servile effusion.] My dear sir — I trust you 
 will pardon me for not having paid my respects before. 
 My total ignorance of your presence here must plead my 
 apology. [Looking severely about him at the ladies.] I 
 was not informed of it. Is there any message, sir, which 
 I could take from you to my honoured patroness — your 
 aunt, or to your fair cousin — Miss de Bourg ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Stiffly.] Thank you, I will not trouble you so far. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 It would be no trouble — but an honour and a privilege. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Disgusted, turns from him to Bingley.] We are al- 
 ready very late, Bingley. 
 
40 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Yes, — we have no time to lose. 
 
 [Darcy and Bingley give passing hows and go out 
 by the glass doors. Mr. Collins keeps by Darcy's 
 side and, as they pass out of sight, is seen still 
 talking to him, to his evident annoyance. All 
 the time that the party is bidding good-bye to 
 Bingley and Darcy, Wickham has been moodily 
 standing by the fireplace. Elizabeth has evidently 
 been concerned about him, for throughout the fore- 
 going interview with Mr. Collins, she has looked 
 at Wickham from time to time.] 
 
 Hill. 
 [Enters at the door leading to the hall.] May I speak 
 to you, Madam? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, Hill, yes. [To the gentlemen.] Excuse me for a 
 moment. I will return directly. [Mrs. Bennet and 
 Hill go out] 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Oh, Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth! Your aunt, Mrs. 
 Phillips, has sent word by me that her card-party is to be 
 on Wednesday. She hopes you will surely be there. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [In a pre-occupied way, looking towards Wickham.] 
 Oh, yes, we shall go. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 41 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [As he passes the piano, and looking at some music 
 which is on the rack.'] Ah! Here is the song you have 
 promised to sing to me. Pray sing it now, Miss Elizabeth. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Really, Colonel Forster, yon mnst excuse me for to-day. 
 Jane will play for you, instead. 
 
 Jane. 
 Indeed, I cannot, Lizzy. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking meaningly at her.] Please, Jane. 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Oh, do, I beg — Miss Bennet. 
 
 [All through the following interview between Eliza- 
 beth and Wickham, the tinkle of the instrument 
 is heard. During their conversation Jane's back 
 it turned — also Colonel Forster's as he looks over 
 her music — so that Elizabeth and Wickham are 
 practically alone. Elizabeth returns to her em- 
 broidery. There is an awkward pause for a moment. 
 Wickham finally breaks it.] 
 
 Wickham. 
 How long has Mr. Darcy been in Hertfordshire, Miss 
 Elizabeth? 
 
42 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Only for a very short time, I believe. He comes from 
 Derbyshire, I understand, and has a very large property 
 there. 
 
 Wickham. 
 Yes, his estate is a noble one. A clear ten thousand per 
 
 annum. I am well informed on this head [Hesitates.'] 
 
 I have been connected with Mr. Darcy's family in a partic- 
 ular manner since my infancy. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Surprised.] Indeed? 
 
 Wickham. 
 You may well be surprised, Miss Elizabeth, at this asser- 
 tion after seeing the very cold manner of our meeting just 
 now. [After a pause.] Are you much acquainted with 
 Mr. Darcy? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 No. Though I have heard of him, I met him for the 
 first time to-day, but even on this short acquaintance I 
 should take him to be an ill-tempered man. 
 
 Wickham. 
 [As if he had come to a sudden decision.] Miss Eliza- 
 beth, you have been a witness of Mr. Darcy's treatment of 
 me to-day, and therefore I feel that I must, for my own 
 justification, acquaint you with the facts of my past con- 
 nection with him, 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 43 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I shall respect your confidence, Mr. Wickham. 
 
 Wickham. 
 I am sure of it. [After a short pause.] Mr. Darey and 
 I were born in the same parish. My own father, who, to be 
 frank, was steward of the Darcy estates, gave up every- 
 thing to serve the interests of the Darcy family. Mr. 
 Darcy's father was excessively attached to me : — indeed, I 
 was his godson. He meant to provide for me amply, and 
 thought he had done so. I was destined for the church 
 and Mr. Darcy's father left to me a most valuable living. 
 But the present Mr. Darcy chose to ignore his father's will 
 and gave the living to another man. This closed for me 
 the career for which I was most fitted and left me with 
 almost no means of support. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Good heavens ! But how could that be ? Why did not 
 you seek legal redress? 
 
 Wickham. 
 There was an informality in the terms of the will which 
 gave me no hope from the law. Mr. Darcy's father had 
 relied implicitly upon the honour of his son. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 But — this is quite shocking. Mr. Darcy deserves to be 
 publicly disgraced! 
 
44 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 Sometime or other he will be, but not by me. Till I 
 can forget his father, I can never defy or expose him. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 This feeling does you honour. But what can have in- 
 duced Mr. Darcy to behave so cruelly ? 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. 
 His father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, 
 but the fact is, Miss Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very 
 different men, and he hates me. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 His disposition must be dreadful. 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 J will not trust myself on that subject. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 To treat in such a manner the godson — the friend — the 
 favourite of his father! How abominable! 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 And yet, Miss Elizabeth, we must try to be just to him. 
 Mr. Darcy has many good quaities. He can be both liberal 
 and generous. He has also a brother's affection and pride 
 which makes him a careful guardian of his sister. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 45 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, he has a sister? 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 Yes. You will hear him cried up as the most attentive 
 and best of brothers. Oh, Mr. Darcy can please when he 
 chooses. Among those who are his equals he is a very 
 different man from what he is to the less prosperous. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Contemptible ! 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [Interrupting.] Wickham ! 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 [Starting.'] Yes, Colonel Forster. 
 
 Colonel Forster, 
 I fear we must be going. 
 
 WlCKHAM. 
 
 [Hurriedly to Elizabeth.] Thank you for listening to 
 me. It is hard to be misjudged. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the 
 truth. 
 
46 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your 
 aunt's on Wednesday. Good morning. [To Jane.] 
 Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank you for the music. 
 Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry 
 that we cannot wait longer. 
 
 Wickham. 
 [Effusively.] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your 
 mother my best regards. Good morning — [All bow and 
 curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks aside.] Oh, Miss 
 Elizabeth, may I entreat 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 You may depend upon my sympathy. 
 
 Wickham. 
 [Looking at her with an understanding smile.] I am 
 most grateful. 
 
 [The gentlemen go out of the door. Jane and Eliza- 
 beth go into the recess and look from the window. 
 There is a short pause.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Enters, flurried, and looks about her.] Well, have 
 they gone? 
 
 [Mr. Collins enters through the glass doors at the 
 center. He sees Mrs. Bennet.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 47 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Oh, Madam, I am just returned from attending on 
 Mr. Darcy. Such a privilege! He was most condescend- 
 ing. I was able to tell him that Lady Catherine was very 
 well on Saturday sennight. He is very like Lady Cath- 
 erine. I am sure you must have been impressed by his 
 distinguished manners. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 Well, really, Mr. Collins ! 
 
 [A titter is heard from the recess where the girls are 
 seated, and then Jane's voice.] 
 
 Jane. 
 
 Oh, Lizzy, hush! 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then 
 he speaks to Mrs. Bennet with lowered voice, as if an idea 
 had just come to him.] This meeting is most opportune. 
 Will you kindly step this way for a moment? [He draws 
 Mrs. Bennet aside.] May I hope, Madam, for your in- 
 terest with you fair daughter Jane, in the matter on 
 which we were speaking yesterday? I would solicit the 
 honour of a private audience with her this morning. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Certainly, Mr. Collins. [Hesitating.] But there have 
 been some changes since then. Some things have hap- 
 
48 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 pened — I think it is right you should know, that — that 
 Jane is very likely to be soon engaged. [Encouragingly.'] 
 But there is Elizabeth. I cannot take it upon myself to 
 say — I cannot possibly answer — but I do not know of any 
 prepossession in her case, and I am sure she can have no 
 objection to listen to you. 
 
 [Mrs. Bennet goes to the fire and stirs it.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [As soon as she has finished.] Then Miss Elizabeth 
 let it be, Madam. I was struck by her attitude of respect- 
 ful awe when I mentioned the Lady Catherine de Bourg. 
 Such modesty and humility of mind cannot but recom- 
 mend her to my patroness. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Looking rather astonished at this last speech, but re- 
 covering herself.] Yes, my daughter Elizabeth knows 
 what is proper. She will be very happy to listen to you. 
 Shall I call her now? 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 I think, Madam, there should be no further loss of time, 
 as my leave of absence extends only to the coming Satur- 
 day. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Very well — [She goes to the recess where the two girls 
 are talking together.] Jane, I want you upstairs. Lizzy, 
 Mr. Collins has something he wishes to say to you. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 49 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Suspicious and dismayed.'] Dear ma'am, Mr. Collins 
 must excuse me. I was just going away myself. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Now, no nonsense, Lizzy ! I desire you will stay. Mr. 
 Collins has something very particular to say to you. [As 
 Elizabeth tries to escape.] Lizzy, I insist upon your stay- 
 ing and hearing Mr. Collins. Come, Jane — [Mrs. Ben- 
 net and Jane go out.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Approaching Elizabeth, who does not move from the 
 place where her mother left her.] Believe me, my dear 
 Miss Elizabeth, your modesty so far from doing you any 
 disservice rather adds to your other perfections. But allow 
 me to assure you that I have your respected mothers' per- 
 mission for this address. [He escorts Elizabeth with 
 clumsy gallantry to the sofa, then brings a chair and 
 seats himself opposite to her. Elizabeth has recovered 
 herself sufficiently to begin to enjoy the humour of the 
 situation.] My fair cousin, you must have at least sur- 
 mised that I am about to ask you to become the companion 
 of my life. And perhaps I had better begin by stating my 
 reasons for this decision before I am run away with by my 
 feelings on this subject. [Elizabeth is so overcome with 
 laughter at this idea that she can hardly speak, or keep a 
 decent countenance.] 
 
50 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, I beg, Mr. Collins 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 One moment. My reasons for marrying are, first, — 
 that I think it a right thing for every clergyman to set the 
 example of matrimony to his parish; second, I am con- 
 vinced it will add very greatly to my happiness; third, it 
 is the particular advice of that very noble lady whom I 
 have the honour of calling patroness. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [With more command of her voice."] Believe me, Mr. 
 Collins 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Excuse me — one moment. It remains only to be told 
 why my views were directed to Longbourn instead of to 
 my own neighbourhood. The fact is that, being as I am to 
 inherit this estate after the death of your father (who, how- 
 ever, may live many years longer) , I could not satisfy my- 
 self without resolving to choose a wife from among his 
 daughters, that the loss to them might be as little as 
 possible, when the melancholy event took place. This has 
 been my motive, my fair cousin, and I flatter myself it 
 will not sink me in your esteem. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Mr. Collins— I 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 51 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Rising and approaching nearer to Elizabeth.] Still 
 one moment more ! And now nothing remains for me but 
 to assure you, in the most animated language, of the 
 violence of my affection. To fortune I am perfectly in- 
 different, and you may assure yourself that no ungenerous 
 reproach on that score shall ever pass my lips when we are 
 married. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Rising in her turn.] You are too hasty, sir! You 
 forget that I have made no answer. Accept my thanks 
 for the compliment you are paying me. I am very sensi- 
 ble of the honour of your proposals, but it is impossible for 
 me to do otherwise than decline them. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [With another formal wave of the hand.] I am not 
 unmindful of the fact that sometimes a young lady's re- 
 fusal is repeated a second or even a third time. I am, 
 therefore, by no means discouraged by what you have just 
 said, and I shall hope to lead you to the altar ere long. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Upon my word, sir, your hope is rather an extraordinary 
 one after my declaration ! You must pay me the compli- 
 ment of believing what I say. I wish you very happy, and 
 very rich, and, by refusing your hand, do all in my power 
 
52 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 to prevent your being otherwise. This matter may be con- 
 sidered, therefore, as definitely settled. 
 
 [She is about to leave the room when Mr. Collins 
 detains her.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 One moment. When I do myself the honour of speak- 
 ing to yon next on this subject, I shall hope to receive a 
 more favourable answer. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Becoming angry.] Really, Mr. Collins, you puzzle me 
 exceedingly. I know not how to express my refusal in 
 such a way as may convince you of its being one. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 You must give me leave to flatter myself, my dear cousin, 
 that your refusals of my address are merely words, of 
 course. I shall choose to attribute them to your wish of 
 increasing my love by suspense, according to the usual 
 practice of elegant females. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Very decidedly.] Please do not consider me now as an 
 'elegant female'; I would rather be paid the compliment 
 of being believed sincere. To accept your proposal i& 
 absolutely impossible. Can I speak plainer? 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 53 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [With awkward gallantry.'] You are -uniformly charm- 
 ing; but I am persuaded that when my proposals are 
 sanctioned by both your parents they will not fail of being 
 acceptable. Meanwhile I may perhaps best serve my cause 
 by leaving you to consider the matter by yourself for a 
 while. 
 
 [He bows and withdraws to the door. Elizabeth 
 with a gesture as if she gave the whole matter up 
 in despair, and yet half amused, goes to the fireplace. 
 Just as Mr. Collins reaches the door Mrs. Ben- 
 net opens it.~\ 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 Well, Mr. Collins, are we to congratulate each other? 
 [Looking doubtfully at Elizabeth.] Has all gone as you 
 could wish? 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 
 I have every reason to be satisfied, Madam. My cousin 
 has indeed steadily refused this, my first offer, and with 
 considerable warmth, but this refusal would naturally flow 
 from her bashful modesty. With your influence behind 
 me, I have no doubt of my ultimate success. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, you may depend upon me, Mr. Collins. I will 
 speak to Lizzy myself directly. She is a very headstrong, 
 foolish girl and does not know her own interest. But I 
 will make her know it. 
 
54 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Alarmed.'] Pardon me, Madam, but if she is really 
 headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would al- 
 together be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation. 
 If, therefore, Miss Elizabeth persists in rejecting my suit, 
 perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Alarmed in her turn.] Sir, you quite misunderstand 
 me. Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. 
 In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever 
 lived. Let me see her alone for a moment. That will be 
 the best. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 But Madam — I 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Almost forcing Mr. Collins out of the room.] Oh, I 
 shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure. [Mr. Collins 
 goes out. Mrs. Bennet goes quickly to Elizabeth.] 
 Lizzy, what is the meaning of all this ? Have you refused 
 Mr. Collins? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, mamma, but please listen 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Angrily.] No, I will not listen. I tell you what, Miss 
 Lizzy, if you take it into your head to go on refusing every 
 offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 55 
 
 at all. I am going at once to the library and speak to your 
 father. You will listen to him perhaps. 
 
 [Mrs. Bennet starts to go when she sees Mr. Bennet 
 outside passing the glass doors. He is just return-' 
 ing from his walk and carries a booh under his 
 arm.] 
 
 >Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, there he is now ! [She runs to the door, and opens 
 it.] Oh, Mr. Bennet — Mr. Bennet ! [Mr. Bennet turns. 
 Mrs. Bennet runs out, takes him by the arm, and tries to 
 pull him into the room by main force. Mr. Bennet, 
 puzzled, submits.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 
 [While she draws Mr. Bennet into the room.] Oh, 
 Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately. We are all in an 
 uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Col- 
 lins, for she vows she will not have him, and, if you do 
 not make haste, Mr. Collins will change his mind and not 
 have her. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 
 I have not the pleasure of understanding you. Of what 
 are you talking? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy! Lizzy declares she will not 
 have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say he will not 
 have Lizzy. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Lizzy? I thought it was Jane. 
 
56 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 No — no — It's Lizzy now! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Ah! And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems 
 a hopeless business. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Speak to Lizzy. There she is. [Pointing to Eliza- 
 beth at the fireplace.] Tell her that you insist upon her 
 marrying him. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 
 [Turning to Elizabeth.] Come here, child. [Eliza- 
 beth goes to her father.] This is an affair of importance. 
 I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of 
 marriage. Is this true? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes — papa — it — is. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Very well — and this offer of marriage you have refused. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I have, sir. 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon 
 your accepting him. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet? 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 57 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Yes, or I will never see her again ! 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From 
 this day, yon must be a stranger to one of your parents. 
 Your mother will never see you again, if you do not marry 
 Mr. Collins ; and I will never see you again if you do. 
 
ACT II 
 
ACT II 
 
 The Conservatory or Orangery at Netherfield. On one 
 side, an archway, approached by two or three steps 
 and hung with curtains, separates the Orangery from 
 the ball-room. On the opposite side is a smaller 
 archway with curtains, which are looped back, giving 
 a glimpse of the drawing-room beyond. There is 
 another door on the right. Bingley is discovered di- 
 recting two Footmen, who are putting a bench in 
 place. Darcy stands watching him. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 A little more to the right, Martin. That will do. Push 
 those lights farther back — behind the trees. Yes, that is 
 better. [Looking about him.] I think that is all. You 
 may go. [The men leave the room.] Well, Darcy, do 
 you approve of the arrangements ? Have you anything to 
 suggest? Any criticisms? 
 
 Darcy. 
 I have no criticisms for the arrangements. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [Laughing.] But you have for the ball. Yes, I know 
 — still I was really obliged to keep my promise. 
 
 61 
 
62 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Darcy. 
 I am glad to find that a promise is with you an obliga- 
 tion. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Oh, come, Darcy! I understand. Set your mind at 
 rest. I am going to London with you, although 1" must 
 say I do not see the necessity for it. I think you are 
 exaggerating the effect of any small attentions of mine to- 
 ward Miss Bennet. However, we will cling together, and 
 fly a common danger. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Coldly.] Common danger? 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [Smiling.] Yes, common danger! I, too, have eyes. 
 Where will you match the wit and vivacity of Miss Eliza- 
 beth Bennet? 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 [Quietly.] She is indeed charming, and I admit that 
 were it not for the inferiority of her connections, I might 
 be in some danger. [Very coolly and confidently.] But 
 they form, for me, an insurmountable barrier against any 
 possible peril. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Love laughs at bars, Darcy! [Darcy looks annoyed.] 
 No, — I won't! It really is not fair, since it is my fault. 
 You would never have been put to this test if you hadn't 
 been so good as to stay on here with me after that 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 63 
 
 [Stopping suddenly, and with an entire change from his 
 former bantering tone, he says in a hesitating manner.'] 
 Darcy, do you really think you should be silent about 
 Wickham? 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Haughtily.'] Decidedly! I do not choose to lay my 
 private affairs before the world. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 But the fellow is sailing under false colours. You do 
 not know what the result may be. I really must speak of 
 this again, Darcy, even at the risk of offending you. 
 [Darcy makes an impatient gesture.] I am truly con- 
 cerned at the foothold this rascal has already gained in the 
 Bennet family. What he has failed to accomplish' once 
 he may succeed in again. These young ladies have no 
 brother to defend them. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Neither have they the wealth to excite Wickham's cupid- 
 ity. At any rate I do not wish to be the one to enlighten 
 the neighbourhood. Besides, I understand that he has left 
 Meryton. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 Even so — I [He is interrupted by Miss Bingley, 
 
 who enters gaily from the drawing-room.] 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Ah! Here you are! [To Darcy.] Will you be so 
 
64 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 kind ? [She holds out her arm for him to clasp her brace- 
 let] Your sister Georgiana should be here, Mr. Darcy. 
 [To her brother.] Charles, you should have insisted on 
 her coming. 
 
 Bingley. 
 I am not in the habit of insisting with Darcy. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [Laughingly."] Very true. [To Darcy, who has at 
 length succeeded in fastening the bracelet.] Thank you. 
 [Looking about her.] It is vastly pretty, Charles, but I 
 am much mistaken if there are not some among us to 
 whom a ball will be rather a punishment than a pleasure. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Laughing.] If you mean Darcy, he may go to bed, if 
 he pleases, before it begins. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 But, Charles, it would certainly be more rational if con- 
 versation instead of dancing were made the order of the 
 day. 
 
 Bingley. 
 Much more rational, my dear Caroline, but it would not 
 be near so much like a ball. 
 
 Martin, the Footman. 
 [Entering, to Bingley.] Several of the carriages have 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 65 
 
 arrived, sir, and the guests will soon be entering the ball- 
 room. 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [To the Footman.] Very well. [To Miss Bingley.] 
 Come Caroline, we must be at our post. We will leave 
 Darcy to make up his mind whether he will join us later. 
 [Bingley and his sister disappear through the arch- 
 way leading to the ball-room. Darcy does not fol- 
 low them, but walks thoughtfully up and down the 
 room. The sound of a voice is heard announcing.] 
 
 The Voice. 
 
 Mrs. Long — the Miss Longs. [A pause.] Colonel Fors- 
 
 ter and Mr. Denny. [A pause.] Mr. and Mrs. Goulding. 
 
 [A pause.] Mrs. Bennet — the Miss Bennets. [Darcy 
 
 stops in his walk and goes toward the ball-room archway — 
 
 then he walks once more up and down.] Mrs. King — Miss 
 
 King. [Darcy again moves toward the ball-room; he 
 
 lifts the curtain, hesitates — looks in — then disappears.] 
 
 Sir William and Lady Lucas — Miss Lucas — Mr. Robinson. 
 
 [The music now begins, the stage is left empty. After 
 
 a short pause, Elizabeth and Charlotte appear 
 
 between the curtains of the ball-room archway.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Peeps in — then enters.] Isn't this pretty! Come in 
 here for a moment, Eliza. I want to tell you something. 
 
66 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Following her.] Why did I promise to dance with 
 Mr. Darcy just now! Why did not I have more presence 
 of mind! 
 
 [They sit on the bench together while they talk; the 
 guests, at the back, pass to and from the drawing- 
 room and ball-room, and the sound of music is 
 heard faintly. ~\ 
 
 Charlotte. 
 I dare say yon will find him very agreeable. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Heaven forbid ! That wonld be the greatest misfortune 
 of all. To find a man agreeable whom one is determined 
 to hate ! Do not wish me such an evil. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 I wouldn't be a simpleton, Eliza. You are angry be- 
 cause Wickham is not here, but I wouldn't allow my fancy 
 for him to make me unpleasant in the eyes of a man of ten 
 times his consequence. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 My fancy for Wickham, as you choose to call it, is simply 
 my sympathy for a most ill-used man: also the relief of 
 meeting with good manners and a good understanding 
 after the insufferable pride of Mr. Darcy, and the stupid 
 pomposity of that dreadful Mr. Collins! [Charlotte 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 67 
 
 starts.] Oh, my dear Charlotte, I have never thanked you 
 half enough for helping us to endure that man. It was 
 so good-natured in you to sacrifice yourself by listening to 
 those interminable speeches of his. — I am more obliged 
 to you than I can express. But oh, what a relief it is to 
 know that he is really gone ! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Who has listened to all this tirade in increasing em- 
 barrassment'] Oh, don't! Don't, Eliza! You are mak- 
 ing it so terribly hard for me. But, — but I must tell you. 
 — I am engaged to Mr. Collins ! 
 
 [Elizabeth is stupefied with surprise and loolcs at 
 Charlotte for a moment in silent and incredulous 
 amazement. Then with difficulty she spealcs.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Engaged ! Engaged to — to Mr. Collins ! Oh, my dear 
 Charlotte — impossible! [Hopefully.] You are joking! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [With spirit.] No, indeed, Eliza, I am in most serious 
 earnest. Why should you be so surprised? Do you think 
 it incredible that Mr. Collins should be able to procure any 
 woman's good opinion, because he was not so happy' as to 
 succeed with you? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Confused.] Oh, no — no — of course not. And, — and 
 
68 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 you must forgive all I have just said. I couldn't possibly 
 have imagined 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [More sweetly.'] No, Eliza, indeed you could not. 
 [She puts her hand on Elizabeth's shoulder.] And we 
 shall be friends still ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Why, of course, of course, dear Charlotte. It was only 
 the — the surprise. You know how fond I am of you. 
 You know I wish you all imaginable happiness. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 
 Yes, I am sure of it. You must be surprised — very 
 much surprised, so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to 
 marry you. But, dear Eliza, when you have had time to 
 think it all over, I hope you will be satisfied with what I 
 have done. I am not romantic. I ask only a comfort- 
 able home, and, considering Mr. Collins' situation in life f 
 I am convinced that my chance of happiness with him is 
 as fair as most people can boast on entering the marriage 
 state. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 [In an absent manner.] Undoubtedly. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Looking at Elizabeth affectionately and wistfully.] 
 And you will come to visit me sometimes? I could not 
 bear to lose you, Eliza ! 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 69 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking up, and patting Charlotte's 'hand.'] Surely, 
 Charlotte! [Smiling.] We are to be cousins, you know. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Cheerfully.'] Why, so we are! 
 [Colonel Forster comes from the ball-room. Lydia 
 and Denny enter from the drawing-room.] 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [Hurriedly going to Charlotte.] I am to have the 
 honour of this reel, I believe, Miss Lucas. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Oh yes, Colonel Forster. 
 
 [She goes out with Forster, leaving Elizabeth alone, 
 still seated. Lydia and Denny approach Eliza- 
 beth.] 
 
 Lydia. 
 I think we are being treated abominably ill, Lizzy! It 
 seems that Mr. Wickham has gone off on business some- 
 where, so he will not be here at all. [Lydia looks off to- 
 ward the ball-room.] 
 
 Denny. 
 [Aside to Elizabeth significantly.] I do not imagine 
 his business would have called him away just now if he 
 had not wished to avoid a certain gentleman. 
 
 Lydia. 
 [Suddenly."] Why, Mr. Denny — I do believe the reel is 
 
70 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 half over — I dearly love a reel ! We shall miss it, alto- 
 gether. Come! [She drags Denny off.'] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Alone.'] Well! Well! The world is surely upside 
 down. Charlotte and — Collins ! What a match ! 
 
 Daroy. 
 
 [Approaching from the ball-room.] Do not you feel a 
 great inclination, Miss Bennet, to seize such an opportun- 
 ity of dancing a reel? 
 
 [Elizabeth makes no answer.] 
 
 Do not you enjoy the reel, Miss Bennet ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking up.] Oh, I heard you before, but I could not 
 immediately determine what to say in reply. You wanted 
 me, I know, to say — "Yes," that you might have the 
 pleasure of despising my taste; but I always delight in 
 overthrowing that kind of scheme. I have therefore made 
 up my mind to tell you that I do not want to dance a 
 reel at all; and now despise me, if you dare ! 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Smiling.] I do not dare. 
 
 [Miss Bingley enters from the ball-room with an 
 officer. They talk together.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 7i 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [Entering from the ball-room, and looking about Mm, 
 sees Elizabeth and comes to her.~\ May I have the hon- 
 our, Miss Bennet? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I do not dance the reel, Colonel Forster. 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Oh, the reel is over. This is our dance. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh! 
 
 [She goes off with Colonel Forster. Darcy remains 
 where Elizabeth leaves him and watches her till 
 she disappears into the ball-room. The officer bows 
 and leaves Miss Bingley.] 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [Approaching Darcy.] I can guess the subject of your 
 reverie. 
 
 Daroy. 
 I should imagine not. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 You are considering how insufferable it would be to pass 
 many evenings in such society. Indeed, I am quite of 
 your opinion. I was never more annoyed. The insipidity 
 
72 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 and yet the noise; — the nothingness and yet the self-im- 
 portance of all these people ! What would I give to hear 
 your strictures on them ! 
 
 Darcy. 
 Your conjecture is totally wrong. I assure you, my 
 mind was more agreeably engaged. I was meditating on 
 the very great pleasure which a pair of fine eyes in the face 
 of a pretty woman can bestow. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [Looking at him very meaningly and sweetly, speaks with 
 coquetry. ,] Indeed ! And will not you tell me what lady 
 has the credit of inspiring such reflections ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 [With great intrepidity.'] Miss Elizabeth Bennet. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [Taken aback.'] Miss Elizabeth Bennet! I am all as- 
 tonishment! How long has she been such a favourite? 
 Pray when am I to wish you joy ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 That is exactly the question which I expected you to 
 ask. A lady's imagination is very rapid: it jumps from 
 admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment. 
 I knew you would be wishing me joy. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 73 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Nay, if you are so serious about it I shall consider the 
 matter as absolutely settled. You will have a charming 
 mother-in-law ! Of course she will always be at Pemberley 
 with you. Perhaps you might give her a few hints as to 
 the advantage of holding her tongue. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Thank you. Have you anything else to propose for my 
 domestic felicity? 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Oh, yes ! Let the portrait of your uncle, the attorney, 
 be placed next to your great uncle, the Judge. They are 
 in the same profession, you know, only in different lines. 
 As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not attempt to 
 have it taken, for what painter could do justice to those 
 beautiful eyes! 
 
 Darcy. 
 It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression; 
 but their colour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remark- 
 ably fine, might be copied. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 
 [Sarcastically.'] Oh, I fear not — [Elizabeth and 
 
 Colonel Forster, with others, enter from the ball-room — 
 
 Mrs. Bennet with Lady Lucas from the drawing-room.] 
 
 Here comes the fair one — [Seeing Mrs. Bennet.] — and 
 
74 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 mamma-in-law as well. I will not intrude on the family 
 
 party. 
 
 [She goes off laughing and mingles with the guests. 
 Colonel Forster bows and leaves Elizabeth with 
 her mother. Bingley enters with Jane from the 
 drawing-room. He sees Darcy, who is standing 
 where Miss Bingley left him, and comes to him. 
 
 Bingley. 
 I thought this next dance was the one you liked so much, 
 Darcy. Let me find you a partner. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Starting, as if from a reverie.] So it is. Thank you — 
 I have a partner. 
 
 [He goes to Elizabeth, bows, and they go into the 
 ball-room together. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Long 
 follow them.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Looking after Darcy with a smile, turns to Jane.] 
 You must be tired, Miss Bennet. I propose that we sit 
 quietly through this dance. Do you agree? 
 
 Jane. 
 Yes, indeed. [She sits on the bench.] It will be very 
 pleasant. [Looking about her.] How very prettily you 
 have arranged all the rooms, Mr. Bingley. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 75 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 I am so glad you think so. I feared they were rather 
 inconvenient for so large a party. 
 
 Jane. 
 Oh, I find them delightful ! 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 You are always charitable, Miss Bennet. It seems to 
 me you always manage to see the best side of everything. 
 I never knew you to say an ill word about a person or a 
 place. 
 
 Jane. 
 [Smiling.'] Oh, I fear that is not quite exact. I only 
 try to see things in their best light, perhaps. 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 That is just it. The rest of us rarely try to see things 
 in that way. So you see I have proved my case. You are 
 too amiable. 
 
 Jane. 
 Not for to-night, Mr. Bingley. Everybody is of one 
 mind to-night. There is but one point of view — you are 
 giving nothing but pleasure. 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Soberly.] I wish it were so — but [With impulsive 
 
76 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 earnestness.'] Dear Miss Bennet, I wish to tell you — I 
 
 must tell you 
 
 [He is interrupted by the people coming in again 
 from the dance. Darcy and Elizabeth enter 
 with Sir William Lucas and others. BingleY 
 and Jane rise from their seats and walk sloivly to- 
 ward the back of the room. Darcy escorts Eliza- 
 beth to a seat and stands by her. They are both 
 silent for a moment.'] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 It is your turn to say something now, Mr. Darcy. I 
 talked about the dance, and you ought to make some kind of 
 remark on the size of the rooms, or the number of couples. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Smiling.] I assure you I will say whatever you wish. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Very well, that reply will do for the present. Perhaps 
 by and by I may observe that private balls are much 
 pleasanter than public ones. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Do you talk by rule then ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Sometimes. One must speak a little, you know, — and 
 yet for the advantage of some, conversation ought to be 
 so arranged that they may have the trouble of saying 
 as little as possible. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 77 
 
 Darcy. 
 Are you consulting your own feelings in the present case, 
 or do you imagine that you are gratifying mine? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Archly.] Both, for I have always seen a great similar- 
 ity in the turn of our minds; we are each of an unsocial, 
 taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect 
 to say something that will amaze the whole room and be 
 handed down to posterity with all the eclat of a proverb. 
 
 Darcy. 
 This is no very striking resemblance of your own char- 
 acter, I am sure. How near it may be to mine, I cannot 
 pretend to say. You think it a faithful portrait, un- 
 doubtedly. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I shall not decide on my own performance. [There is a 
 short silence; then, as if with an effort, Elizabeth speaks.'] 
 I am surprised not to see Mr. Wickham here to-night. I 
 find that he is a great favourite with the officers. He has 
 made many friends among them. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 [With great hauteur.] Mr. Wickham is blessed with 
 such happy manners as may insure his making friends; 
 whether he may be equally capable of retaining them is less 
 certain. 
 
78 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Excitedly.'] He has been so unlucky as to lose your 
 friendship, and in a manner which he is likelv to suffer 
 from all his life. 
 
 [They are both silent.] 
 
 Sir William Lucas. 
 [Coming up to them all urbanity and smiles.] What a 
 charming amusement for young people this dancing is, Mr. 
 Darcy! I consider it as one of the first refinements of 
 polished societies. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 Certainly, sir, and it has the advantage also of being in 
 vogue amongst the less polished societies of the world: 
 every savage can dance. 
 
 Sir William. 
 [Smiling.] Do you often dance at St. James ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 Never, sir. 
 
 Sir William. 
 You have a house in town, I conclude. 
 [Mr. Darcy bows, but does not speak.] 
 
 Sir William. 
 I had once some thoughts of fixing in town myself : but 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 79 
 
 I did not feel quite certain that the air of London would 
 agree with Lady Lucas. 
 
 [Mr. Darcy bows in silence again — Elizabeth is 
 amused.] 
 
 Sir William. 
 But I must not further interrupt you, sir ! I only wish 
 to tell you once more how highly gratified I have been by 
 your superior dancing; allow me also to say that your fair 
 partner does not disgrace you. It is a great pleasure to see 
 you together. I must hope to — to have this pleasure often 
 repeated, especially when a certain desirable event, my dear 
 Miss Eliza, [Glancing at Bingley and Jane, who are talk- 
 ing earnestly together at the bach of the scene.] shall take 
 place. What congratulations will then flow in : but let me 
 not interrupt you — you will not thank me, Mr. Darcy, for 
 detaining you from the bewitching converse of that young 
 lady, whose bright eyes are also upbraiding me ! 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Murmurs to himself.] So! [Looking earnestly at 
 Bingley. and Jane, he seems much impressed by what 
 Sir William has said. Elizabeth notices this. 'Recov- 
 ering himself, Darcy turns to her again.] Sir William's 
 interruption has made me forget what we were talking of. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I do not think we were speaking at all. Sir William 
 could not have interrupted any two people who had less to 
 
80 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 say for themselves. We have tried two or three subjects al- 
 ready without success, and what we are to talk of next, I 
 cannot imagine. 
 
 Daeoy. 
 [Smiling.'] What think you of books ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Books ? Oh no : I am sure we never read the same, or 
 not with the same feelings. 
 
 Daroy. 
 I am sorry you think so, but if that be the case, there can 
 at least be no want of subject. We may compare our dif- 
 ferent opinions of them. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 No, I cannot talk of books at a ball — my head is always 
 full of something else. 
 
 Darcy. 
 The present always occupies you in such scenes, does it ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [In an absent manner.] Yes, always. [Suddenly.] I 
 remember hearing you once say, Mr. Darcy, that you hardly 
 ever forgave; that your resentment once created was un- 
 appeasable. You are very cautious, I suppose, as to its be- 
 ing created? 
 
 Daroy. 
 [Firmly.] I am. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 81 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice? 
 
 Daeoy. 
 I hope not. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 It is particularly incumbent on those who never change 
 their opinion, to be secure of judging properly at first. 
 
 Darcy. 
 May I ask to what these questions lead ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Merely to the illustration of your character. I am try- 
 ing to make it out. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 And what is your success? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Shaking her head.~] I do not get on at all. I hear 
 such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Gravely."] I can readily believe that reports may vary 
 greatly with respect to me ; and I could wish, Miss Bennet, 
 that you were not to sketch my character at the present 
 moment, as there is reason to fear that the performance 
 would reflect no credit on either. 
 
82 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 But if I do not take your likeness now I may never have 
 another opportunity. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Very stiffly.'] I would by no means suspend any pleas- 
 ure of yours. 
 
 [Miss Bingley enters from the ball-room. She 
 comes directly to Darcy and Elizabeth.] 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Oh, Mr. Darcy — would you be so good as to go to 
 Charles? He wishes very much to consult with you about 
 some of the table arrangements. You will find him in the 
 dining-parlour. [With exaggerated politeness to Eliza- 
 beth.] That is, if Miss Bennet will permit you. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Carelessly.'] Oh, certainly. 
 [Darcy bows and goes out.] 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [To Elizabeth, after a moment's silence.] So, Miss 
 Bennet, I hear that you are quite delighted with George 
 Wickham. He must have told you all a pretty tale. As 
 to Mr. Darcy's using him ill, it is perfectly false. I do 
 not know the particulars, but I do know that George Wick- 
 ham has treated Mr. Darcy in a most infamous manner. 
 His coming into the county at all is a most insolent thing. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 83 
 
 I feel very strongly on this point, Miss Bennet, as Mr. 
 Darcy's interests are so intimately associated with our 
 own. [She watches Elizabeth.] We hope Miss Georgi- 
 ana Darcy may some day be my sister. My brother ad- 
 mires her greatly. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [With indifference.'] Ah! 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Yes, and therefore we resent these falsehoods and this 
 presumption on the part of George Wickham. But, really, 
 considering his descent, we could not expect much better. 
 He has evidently forgotten to tell you that he is the son 
 of old Wickham, steward to the late Mr. Darcy. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Angrily.'] His guilt and his descent appear by your 
 account to be the same. I have heard you accuse him 
 of nothing worse than of being the son of Mr. Darcy's stew- 
 ard, and of that, I can assure you, he informed me himself. 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 [With a sneer.] Oh! I beg your pardon. Excuse my 
 interference; it was kindly meant. 
 [She goes out.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Insolent girl! You are much mistaken if you expect 
 
84 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 to influence me by such a paltry attack at this. I see 
 nothing in it but your own wilful ignorance and the malice 
 of Mr. Darcy. 
 
 [Footmen now come in with small tables, which they 
 
 place about the stage. Bingley comes in and 
 
 directs them. Darcy follows him.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [To Elizabeth, Jane, his sister, and others who have 
 entered.'] I thought it would be pleasant to have some of 
 the tables here. [To Jane.] We must have places to- 
 gether. 
 
 [With some bustle, all seat themselves. At the table 
 on one side are seated Darcy, Elizabeth, Bing- 
 ley and Jane: A little behind them are Miss 
 Bingley with Colonel Forster, Charlotte 
 Lucas with an officer. At the table on the opposite 
 side is Mrs. Bennet with Sir William and Lady 
 Lucas. Behind them are more tables at which other 
 guests are seated.] 
 
 Lydia. 
 [Entering with Denny, much excited, goes to Mrs. 
 Bennet.] Mamma, have you heard the news ? Mr. Denny 
 has just told me that the regiment is to leave Meryton, and 
 go to Brighton ! Good heavens ! What is to become of us, 
 mamma? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Sympathetically.'] Are they really going? Well, my 
 love, it is too bad! I know how you feel. I am sure I 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 85 
 
 cried for two days together when Colonel Millar's regi- 
 ment went away, five-and-twenty years ago. I thought I 
 should have broken my heart. 
 
 Lydia. 
 I am sure I shall break mine. [Coaxingly.] Mamma, 
 might we not all go to Brighton? 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, if we only could ! But I fear your father will not 
 hear of it. 
 
 Lydia. 
 Oh, papa is so disagreeable! I am sure a little sea- 
 bathing would set me up forever ! Wouldn't it, Mr. Denny ? 
 
 Denny. 
 
 Surely, Miss Lydia. Oh, you must manage it in some 
 way. 
 
 [They move off and take their places at one of the 
 tables.] 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Looking after them.'] Well, Lady Lucas, it is hard 
 for a lively young girl like my Lydia to be cooped up in 
 a place where there is so little going on. However, [Look- 
 ing at Bingley and Jane.] we are not likely to have it 
 so very dull in the future. [In a loud whisper to Lady 
 Lucas.] You know what I mean — [Nudging her and 
 laughing.] Jane and Bingley! 
 
86 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Lady Lucas. 
 Ah! Indeed! 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [With importance and in a still louder tone.] Oh, yes! 
 It's quite settled. Such a charming young man — and 
 Netherfield only three miles from Longbourn ! And Jane's 
 marrying will be a fine thing for my other girls. They 
 will be sure to meet other rich men who will fall in love 
 with them. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Who has heard the beginning of this conversation, 
 makes a pretext to go to arrange her mother's scarf and says 
 in low tones.'] Oh, mamma! Be careful, I beg. Mr. 
 Darcy can hear you ! 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid 
 of him ? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility 
 as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear ! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [In distress.] For heaven's sake, Madam, speak lower ! 
 What advantage can it be to you to offend Mr. Darcy? 
 You will never recommend yourself to his friend by so 
 doing. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 That is enough, Lizzy ! I think I can take care of my- 
 self. I never knew before that it was a crime to speak 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 87 
 
 to one's friends about what everybody can see plainly 
 enough, who has eyes in his head. [Turning to Sir Wil- 
 liam.] Did you, Sir William? 
 
 Sir William. 
 [Smiling.'] Our friends usually have very sharp eyes 
 for what is going on, Mrs. Bennet! [Significantly.] I 
 have, indeed, sometimes expected that you would observe 
 what has been going on in our own household of late. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Sharply.] Going on? What has been going on, Sir 
 William? 
 
 Sir William. 
 [With an important air.] It is only this, Mrs. Bennet, 
 that Lady Lucas and myself have to ask your congratula- 
 tions on our very great satisfaction in the recent engage- 
 ment of our daughter, Charlotte. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Charlotte ! Engaged ! Why, who in the world is going 
 to marry her? 
 
 [Sir William draws himself up with offended dig- 
 nity; Lady Lucas bridles.] 
 
 Sir William. 
 The gentleman whom my daughter has honoured with 
 her hand is your husband's cousin — Mr. Collins ! 
 
88 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Rising in rage and amazement.'] Mr. Collins ! Marry 
 your Charlotte? Good Lord, Sir William, how can you 
 tell such a story! Do not you know that Mr. Collins is 
 going to marry my Lizzy — or — or one of my other girls ! 
 
 Lady Lucas. 
 Well, really, Mrs. Bennet ! 
 
 Sir William. 
 
 [Offended.] What I have told you is quite true, never- 
 theless, Mrs. Bennet. The whole matter was settled before 
 Mr. Collins returned to Hunsford. I am sorry we are not 
 to receive your good wishes. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Hastily.] Oh, but you are, Sir William! Charlotte 
 has already told me all about her engagement, and we shall 
 be most happy to welcome her as a cousin. 
 
 Sir William. 
 [Mollified and with gallantry.] Thank you, Miss 
 Elizabeth! I am sure other congratulations will shortly 
 be in order. 
 
 [He glances significantly at Darcy; Elizabeth draws 
 herself up. Sir William, smiling, makes a little 
 bow and then turns to the table, where he and Lady 
 Lucas busy themselves with their supper.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 89 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [To Elizabeth.] So Charlotte has told you, has she? 
 I don't believe a word of it ! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, mamma! 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 I am sure Mr. Collins has been taken in. Well, I trust 
 they will never be happy together, and I hope the match 
 will be broken off. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Imploringly.] Mamma ! 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Turning on Elizabeth in a rage.~\ And you are the 
 cause of the whole mischief, Lizzy! I think I have been 
 barbarously used by you all! 
 
 [While this conversation has been going on, the other 
 guests have been taking their supper. Colonel 
 Forster now rises with a glass of wine in his hand.'] 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Ladies and gentlemen — [The buzz of conversation 
 ceases.] Ladies and gentlemen, I should like to propose 
 the health of Mr. Bingley. 
 
 All. 
 Mr. Bingley! 
 
90 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [Raising Ms glass.] To Mr. Bingley — may the pleas- 
 ure which he has given us all to-night be but a foretaste 
 of the future happiness which he will both receive and give 
 in this community. 
 
 All. 
 Mr. Bingley — Colonel Forster! — Mr. Bingley! 
 [All drink as Bingley bows.] 
 
 Sir William. 
 [Rising.] And may I be allowed to still farther ex- 
 press the sentiments of this community, by proposing an- 
 other toast in which I am sure you will all join me with 
 enthusiasm? [Raising his glass.] To the Master of 
 Netherfield ! May he retain that title from his present 
 fortunate youth, to his future green and honoured old age ! 
 
 All. 
 [Drinking.] Mr. Bingley! Sir William! Mr. Bing- 
 ley! 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Rising.'] Ladies and gentlemen! Friends! 
 
 All. 
 Hear ! Hear ! 
 
 Bingley. 
 I — I really cannot tell you how much I am touched by 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 91 
 
 the very kind words of Colonel Forster and Sir William! 
 And — and I only wish that I deserved them. 
 
 All. 
 Indeed, you do ! 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 [Embarrassed and looking toward Darcy, who with 
 folded arms, is staring at the ceiling.'] No, I do not. I — 
 I did not like to speak of such a painful thing on an 
 occasion like this, and so I have told no one of the fact 
 that I am about to — to leave Netherfield. 
 
 All. 
 Leave Netherfield ! Oh ! Oh ! 
 
 BlNGLEY. 
 
 [Still more ill at ease.] Yes. — It is a very sudden de- 
 cision, but — but important interests have made it necessary 
 for me to — [Lamely.] to leave Netherfield. 
 
 Sir William. 
 But only for a time, Mr. Bingley ! Let us hope it will 
 only be a — a temporary separation. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Why, surely, Mr. Bingley, you will be back again very 
 soon. 
 
92 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 [In a dogged manner.'] No — no. I am afraid my re- 
 turning at all is extremely uncertain. In fact, I — I ex- 
 pect to leave Netherfield permanently. 
 
 [Great consternation. Jane looks down. Elizabeth 
 loohs at Daeoy. Miss Bingley has a triumphant 
 smile.'] 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 [Incredulously.] Oh, my dear Mr. Bingley! 
 
 Sir William. 
 [Solemnly.] This is, indeed, a calamity. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [To Elizabeth. [ Good Lord, Lizzy, poor Jane! 
 What 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, hush, mamma ! 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Looks again at Darcy, who remains perfectly calm 
 through all this commotion. This time the sight of him 
 seems to make Bingley somewhat angry, and he pulls 
 himself together and speaks in a firmer tone and in a more 
 cheerful manner.] But, my friends, nobody knows what 
 may happen. We shall undoubtedly all meet again some- 
 time, and meanwhile, you must not let what I have said 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 93 
 
 spoil your pleasure. [The music is now heard again in the 
 hall-room.'] There is the music. We must have another 
 danee together. 
 
 [There is a general movement among the guests. 
 
 Those at the bach of the room begin to go into the 
 
 ball-room.'] 
 
 BiNGLEY. 
 
 [To Jane, Colonel Forster, and others near him.] 
 Let us make up a set here; I think there will be room. 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Capital idea! 
 
 [The Footmen remove the tables.] 
 
 Miss Bingley. 
 Oh, yes, capital! [With meaning, to Darcy.] Do not 
 you think so, Mr. Darcy? 
 
 [Darby bows stiffly, without speaking.] 
 
 Colonel Forster. 
 Miss Bingley, may I have the pleasure ? 
 
 [She bows, looks daggers at Darcy, and takes her 
 place in the dance.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [To Jane.] Miss Bennet, will you grant me the happi- 
 ness? [Darcy gives him a look which Elizabeth sees.] 
 The — the final happiness of my stay at ISTetherfield. 
 
94 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Jane. 
 [Curtsies, a tremor in her voice.] Thank you. 
 
 [They begin to form a set with Miss Bingley and 
 Colonel Forster, Lydia and Denny.] 
 
 Daroy. 
 [Crossing to Elizabeth.] May I have the honour, Miss 
 Elizabeth? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Looking at him with frank hauteur.'] Thank you, Mr. 
 Darcy, I am indisposed. 
 
 [Darcy lows, reddens, and crosses to the other side 
 of the room. The music begins. Amid embarrassed 
 astonishment, Sir William and Charlotte Lucas 
 fill the quadrille set. As the dance commences, 
 Elizabeth and Darcy, standing at either side of 
 the dancers, exchange a glance of the keenest pridt 
 and prejudice.] 
 
ACT III 
 
ACT III. 
 
 The parlour of Mr. Collinses parsonage at Hunsford. 
 At the bach of the room is an open door. This door 
 leads directly into the garden, beyond which is seen, 
 through an opening in the trees of the park opposite, 
 <( the prospect of Rosings" — the residence of Lady 
 Catherine de Bourg — "a handsome, modern build- 
 ing on rising ground/' A wide cottage window, also 
 at the back of the room, gives a plain view of the 
 passers-by. On either side of the parlour is a door, 
 leading to other parts of the house. Elizabeth is 
 discovered standing at the open door and looking up 
 at some one outside who is evidently climbing the 
 trellis. 
 
 A Voice {outside.) 
 Is this the cluster you wish, Miss Bennet? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Mischievously.'] No, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Those are 
 buds; the ones higher still. There — by the eaves. 
 
 [Elizabeth laughingly watches Colonel Fitzwil- 
 liam until he appears with a cluster of half opened 
 roses, which he presents to her with a gallant air.] 
 
 97 
 
98 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Talcing the roses and putting them in her girdle.] 
 Thank you. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 May not I have one, as my reward, Miss Bennet? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Is not accomplishment its own reward? 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 And is not the power to be generous the highest reward 
 that can be given to any accomplishment ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, surely ! And so you would have to be generous and 
 get me some more roses: then we should each of us have 
 to invent new speeches, and so we should never be done 
 till we were ready to print a phrase book. However, you 
 have certainly won your rose. [She gives it to him.'] 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 Thank you! That phrase-book is a capital idea, Miss 
 Bennet. Nothing could please me better than just such 
 an occupation. It would really be a charity, for Darcy is 
 such a dull fellow these days that I really don't know what 
 to do with myself. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 But we should hardly have the time for such a project. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 99 
 
 You say that you and Mr. Darcy are to leave Lady Cath- 
 erine on Saturday. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 Yes, if Darcy doesn't put it off again. He has already 
 paid our aunt a much longer visit than ever before. I am 
 at his disposal, you know. He arranges the business just 
 as he pleases. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I do not know anybody who seems more to enjoy the 
 power of doing what he pleases than Mr. Darcy. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 He likes to have his own way very well, but so do we all. 
 It is only that he has better means of having it than many 
 others. [Looking at his watch.] I suppose I ought to go 
 and look for him now. I expected to find him here, [With 
 a meaning smile.'] as not unfrequently happens. But 
 since he is not, he probably expects me to meet him at the 
 Crossroads. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I imagine your cousin brought you down with him 
 chiefly for the sake of having somebody at his disposal. 
 I wonder he does not marry to secure a lasting convenience 
 of that kind. But perhaps his sister does as well for the 
 present, — and, as she is under his sole care, he may do 
 what he likes with her. 
 
100 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 
 No — that is an advantage which he must share with me. 
 I am joined with him in the guardianship of Miss Darcy. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Are you, indeed? And pray what sort of a guardian 
 do you make? Does your charge give you much trouble? 
 Young ladies of her age are sometimes a little difficult 
 to manage. And, if she has the true Darcy spirit, she 
 may like to have her own way. 
 
 [Colonel Fitzwilliam looks at Elizabeth very sus- 
 piciously as she makes this last remark.'] 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 Why — what? — Why do you suppose Miss Darcy is likely 
 to give us any uneasiness, Miss Bennet? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Carelessly.'] Oh, nothing at all! You need not be 
 frightened! I never heard any harm of her; she is a 
 great favourite with a lady of my acquaintance — Miss 
 Bingley. I think I have heard you say that you knew Miss 
 Bingley. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 I know her a little. Her brother is a pleasant, gentle- 
 manlike man. He is a great friend of Darcy's. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, yes. Mr. Darcy is uncommonly kind to Mr. Bingley 
 and takes a prodigious deal of care of him. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 101 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 Care of him? Yes, I really believe Darcy does take 
 care of him. From something he has told me, I have rea- 
 son to think Bingley very much indebted to him. [Stop- 
 ping.] But I ought to beg his pardon, for I have no right 
 to suppose that Bingley was the person meant. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Curiously, and with ill-concealed anxiety."] What is it 
 you mean ? 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 It is a circumstance which, of course, Darcy could not 
 wish to be generally known, because if it were to get round 
 to the lady's family it would be an unpleasant thing. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 You may depend upon my not mentioning it. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 And, remember, that I haven't much reason for sup- 
 posing it to be Bingley. What he told me was merely this : 
 that he congratulated himself on having lately saved a 
 friend from the inconveniences of a most imprudent mar- 
 riage, but without names or any other particulars, and I 
 only suspected it to be Bingley from believing him to be 
 the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Trying to suppress her feeling.] Did Mr. Darcy give 
 you his reasons for this interference? 
 
102 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 I understood that there were some very strong objections 
 against the lady. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Indeed ! [Trying to speak calmly.'] And what arts did 
 he use to separate them ? 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 [Smiling.'] He did not talk to me of his own arts. He 
 only told me, what I have now told you. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Why was your cousin to be the judge? 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 You are rather disposed to call his interference offi- 
 cious ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Growing excited.] I do not see what right Mr. Darcy 
 had to decide on the propriety of his friend's inclination; 
 why, upon his own judgment alone, Mr. Darcy was to de- 
 termine in what manner his friend was to be happy. [Re- 
 covering herself.] But as we know none of the particulars, 
 it is not fair to condemn him. It is not to be supposed 
 that there was much affection in the case. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 That is not an unnatural surmise, and I believe Darcy 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 103 
 
 told me that he did not think that the lady, at least, was 
 very deeply concerned in the matter. However, to lessen 
 the affection on either side is to lessen the honour of my 
 cousin's triumph very sadly. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Your cousin's triumph 
 
 [Greatly excited, she is about to continue, when Char- 
 lotte's voice is heard outside.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Yes, Mr. Darcy, I think I saw Colonel Fitzwilliam go up 
 the garden path a few moments ago. [Protesting .] Oh, 
 no, Mr. Darcy, you are too kind ! Really 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Outside.] Pray, allow me. 
 [Charlotte enters, accompanied by Darcy, who is 
 carrying a baslcet of eggs. She wears a garden hat 
 and gloves.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Ah, here he is. Good morning, Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 [To Darcy.] Pray let me have the basket now, Mr. Darcy. 
 [Darcy gives Charlotte the baslcet, and then turns to 
 Elizabeth.] 
 
 Darcy. 
 Good morning, Miss Bennet. [Elizabeth returns 
 Darcy's greeting with a self-consciousness which does not 
 
104 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 escape his notice, but the motive of which he mistakes. 
 Darcy gives a quick glance from Elizabeth to Colonel 
 Fitzwilliam, as he turns to speak to the latter.] Ah, 
 Fitzwilliam, I thought I might find you here. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 [Lightly.'] Yes, I have been so fortunate as to secure 
 some of Mrs. Collins's early roses for Miss Bennet. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [In surprise.] Really ! Have they already opened ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Who has by this time recovered her self-possession.] 
 A very few of them. But Colonel Fitzwilliam was obliged 
 to climb very near to the sun to get me these. [She looks 
 admiringly upon the flowers as she speaks.] 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 [Showing the rose which Elizabeth has given him.] 
 And you see I have my reward. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Smiling faintly.] Colonel Fitzwilliam might not have 
 won his prize so easily, Miss Bennet, had there been others 
 in the field. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Ah, no, Mr. Darcy, I cannot lessen Colonel Fitzwilliam's 
 achievement by admitting any such possibility. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 105 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 [Gallantly.] Thank you, Miss Bennet! 
 [Darcy turns away with an unconscious look of 
 chagrin. ,] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Well, surely, my roses will have to bloom their prettiest 
 this season in return for all the attention they have re- 
 ceived. [To the young men.'] Will not you be seated, 
 gentlemen ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Tartly.] Thanks, no, Mrs. Collins; I merely stopped 
 for Colonel Fitzwilliam; but perhaps his rose-gathering 
 has caused him to abandon our project of taking a walk 
 together this morning. 
 
 Colonel Fitzwilliam. 
 By no means, Darcy, that pleasure has only been de- 
 ferred. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Very good then. We will go at once, if Mrs. Collins 
 and Miss Bennet will pardon me this hasty call. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Certainly, Mr. Darcy! [Elizabeth also, absent-mind- 
 edly, murmurs her assent, for which Darcy lingers with 
 vague uneasiness before departing with Fitzwilliam. 
 Charlotte looks at Elizabeth curiously, then calls to the 
 little maid, who enters.] 
 
106 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Martha — take these eggs to the pantry. Do not dis- 
 turb them. 
 
 Martha. 
 Very well, ma'am. 
 
 [She curtsies and goes out.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Talcing off her hat and gloves.} Now, Eliza, we must 
 get to our work and have a comfortable chat. You have 
 been here nearly two weeks and we really haven't had a 
 good talk yet. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Getting out her embroidery.'] Yes, you promised me a 
 quiet visit, Charlotte. But I find you are more lively here 
 than we are at Longbourn. 
 
 [The two ladies sit at the table with their embroidery.'] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 But how could I have anticipated the arrival here of two 
 very attentive young gentlemen? [Smiling at Eliza- 
 beth.] It is really quite a surprising coincidence, or else 
 Mr. Darcy has timed his visit to his aunt very cleverly. 
 As to these daily visits to the parsonage — you may be sure 
 I do not take to myself the credit of them. Neither of 
 these young gentlemen would ever come so often to see 
 me. I have to thank you, Eliza, for this civility. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 107 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [With a little temper.'] You may thank a lack of oc- 
 cupation on their part. You know very well my opinion 
 of Mr. Darcy! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Yes. You have often expressed it. I wish I were as well 
 informed of Mr. Darcy's opinion of Eliza. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 When you know the one, you know the other. They are 
 identical. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 AVell, perhaps under the circumstances, that is the most 
 satisfactory condition of things. And do we hold the 
 same opinion of Colonel Fitzwilliam? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Tossing her head.] Oh, Colonel Fitzwilliam! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Looking at Elizabeth sharply, and after a short 
 silence.] And so Jane is once more at home after her visit 
 in London, and Lydia has gone to Brighton after all. 
 How did she ever manage to persuade your father? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, Lydia was so determined upon it that she and 
 mamma gave my father no peace till they had teased him 
 to consent. But I am very sorry. Lydia is too foolish, 
 
108 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 too ignorant and wilful to be trusted away from home. 
 I only hope that no harm will come of it. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 And is Mr. Wickham still with the regiment? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, he went with it to Brighton. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 I hear that he is thinking of marrying Miss King, since 
 she has just received a legacy of ten thousand pounds. 
 I should be sorry to think that our friend was mercenary. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 A man in distressed circumstances has not time for all 
 those elegant decorums which other people may observe. 
 If Miss King does not object to it, why should we ? 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Her not objecting does not justify — him. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 {Emphatically. ~\ Well, have it as you choose. He shall 
 he mercenary, and she shall be foolish ! Mr. Wickham's 
 worst fault, after all, is his power of being agreeable. 
 Thank heaven, we both of us know some men who haven't 
 one agreeable quality. Stupid men are the only ones worth 
 knowing ! 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 109 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Smiling.'] Well, well, Eliza! That speech savours a 
 little of — disappointment. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, yes — anything yon please ! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Changing the subject.] And yon say that Jane is not 
 in her nsnal spirits? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Shortly.] Yes. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 And she is looking poorly? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Still more shortly.] Yes — very! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Did she see much of the Bingleys in London? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Bursting out hotly.] She saw nothing of them. Oh, 
 Charlotte, I have just had all my suspicions verified,, 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Your suspicions? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, there has been an arrangement in all this. Mr. 
 
110 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Bingley has been kept away from Jane by [Stops 
 
 suddenly.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Looks up curiously, then speaks quickly.] Don't im- 
 agine any such nonsense, Eliza. A young man like Mr. 
 Bingley so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few 
 weeks — and, when accident separates them, so easily for- 
 gets her, that this sort of inconstancy is very frequent. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 We do not suffer from accident, Charlotte. A young 
 man of independent fortune does not suddenly decide of 
 his own free will to think no more of a girl with whom he 
 was violently in love. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 But were they so violently in love ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes— I never saw a more promising inclination. Why, 
 Mr. Bingley would talk to no one else — would look at no 
 one else. Is not general incivility the very essence of love ? 
 
 Charlotte. 
 
 [Smiling.'] It is usually a good test. But if Jane did 
 
 not return his affection — It really did not seem to me 
 
 that there was anything violent in Jane's attitude. I could 
 
 never see that she showed any extreme affection for Bingley. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 111 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Hotly.] Well, I know that Jane was very much in love 
 with him, and that she showed her affection as much as 
 her nature would allow. If Bingley didn't see it he must 
 have been a simpleton. No — the real trouble was that 
 Jane didn't see him often enough, perhaps, to make her 
 understand his character. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Oh, if Jane were married to Bingley to-morrow, I should 
 think she had as good a chance of happiness as if she were 
 studying him for a twelve-month. It is far better to 
 know as little as possible of the person with whom you 
 are to pass your life. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Demurely.'] In some cases that is undoubtedly true. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Appears at the garden door. He wears a wide-brimmed 
 hat and carries a hoe — also a large basket. He looks in.] 
 Ah! A very charming domestic picture! [Talcing a 
 bunch of radishes from the basket, he speaks to Char- 
 lotte.] My dear, I have found some fine early radishes. 
 I thought it would be a graceful attention on your part 
 to send some of these to Miss de Bourg. [He sits uqon 
 the chair near the doorway.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 I fear the apothecary might object. 
 
112 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 True — they might not be suitable, but [Looking at them 
 proudly.'] they are very fine radishes. [To Elizabeth.] 
 Miss Elizabeth, I am very successful in my gardening. I 
 consider the work I do in my garden to be one of my most 
 respectable pleasures. Lady Catherine is always ready to 
 encourage me in it, and my dear Charlotte is ever willing 
 that I should leave her side for the sake of this healthful 
 exercise. [Looking at the radishes again.] It is, indeed, 
 a pity that Miss de Bourg is not well enough to enjoy them. 
 My dear Charlotte has doubtless told you, Miss Elizabeth, 
 of the alliance which is in prospect between Miss de 
 Bourg and Mr. Darcy. This extreme delicacy of constitu- 
 tion would seem to be the only bar to their happiness. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, Charlotte has told me that Miss de Bourg is sickly. 
 She will make Mr. Darcy a very proper wife. 
 
 [Charlotte looks anxiously at Mr. Collins as Eliz- 
 abeth says this, but he is gazing out of the door 
 and does not seem to notice the remark.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 I hope you are pleased with Kent, Miss Elizabeth. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Very much, Mr. Collins. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 I do not think the kingdom can boast a grander scene 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 113 
 
 than the one now spread before our eyes: [Pointing.'] 
 This garden — that park with Rosings in the distance. Do 
 not you think my dear Charlotte is most fortunately 
 placed, Miss Elizabeth? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Most fortunately, Mr. Collins. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 And when you have seen Lady Catherine, you will be 
 more deeply impressed, I am sure. We can hardly expect 
 her to call upon you. This illness of Miss de Bourg would 
 prevent it, and in any case it would be an act of extreme 
 condescension on her part; but I am quite confident that 
 you will receive an invitation to drink tea of a Sunday 
 evening with her, after Mr. Darcy and his cousin are gone, 
 of course. And — we may later have an invitation to 
 dinner — although I would not for the world arouse in you 
 false hopes which may be shattered. 
 
 Martha. 
 [Enters in great excitement.] Oh, Mrs. Collins ! Lady 
 Catherine's carriage is turning into the lane and she is 
 in it! 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Rising in great excitement.] Lady Catherine — at this 
 hour! What amazing condescension! [He turns in a 
 helpless manner to Charlotte.] But, my dear, I am quite 
 
114 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 unprepared. My habiliments — I would not be wanting in 
 respect. — What shall I do? 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Hurriedly putting up her worh and giving her hat and 
 gloves to the maid.] Go make yourself ready, Mr. Collins. 
 We will do the same. [Charlotte pushes Mr. Collins 
 gently toward the door.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Protesting.'] Yes — yes! But this implement- 
 [He holds out the hoe.] 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Give it to Martha ! 
 
 [Mr. Collins hastily gives the hoe to the maid and 
 then goes out. He instantly returns, however, and 
 again appeals in distressed tones to his wife.] 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Holding out the basket.] And these radishes, my 
 dear? 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Martha, take the radishes from Mr. Collins. 
 
 Martha. 
 Yes, ma'am. 
 
 [The maid tries to hold at once — basket, hoe, hat, and 
 gloves, as she stands in a corner, open-mouthed.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 115 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Again emerging from the door.] Do not make your- 
 self uneasy about your own apparel, Miss Elizabeth; Lady 
 Catherine is far from requiring that elegance in us which 
 becomes herself and daughter — I 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [Impatiently.] Oh, do go, Mr. Collins! Lady Cath- 
 erine will be here in an instant ! 
 
 [She shuts the door on Mr. Collins.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 [Greatly amused at all this excitement.] Are you going 
 to make any change in your dress, Charlotte? Do you 
 wish me to do so? 
 
 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 immedi- 
 ately by Mr. Collins in the same state of excite- 
 ment. Elizabeth, as she looks after them, is con- 
 vulsed with laughter.] 
 
116 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 So, at last — her high and only mightiness! No tre- 
 mors, 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? 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 117 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 No, no — I wish nothing. [To Mr. Collins.] But 
 yon 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. 
 
118 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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.] 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Without leaving her seat, loolcs Elizabeth over from 
 head to foot.] Oh, how do you do, Miss Bennet. You 
 are younger than I thought ! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Smiling.] Indeed ? 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 You know my nephew, Mr. Darcy? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, I met him in Hertfordshire. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 119 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Humph! And you know Colonel Fitzwilliam ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I have only met Colonel Fitzwilliam since coming here. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Humph! Has your governess left you? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Half laughs.] My sisters and I have never had a 
 governess. Madam. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 No governess ! I never heard of such a thing ! Your 
 mother must have been quite a slave to your education. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Smiling.] I assure you she was not, Lady Catherine. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Then who taught you? Without a governess you must 
 have been neglected. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Such of us as wished to learn, never wanted the means, 
 Madam. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Well, if I had known your mother, I should have ad- 
 
120 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 vised her most strenuously to engage a governess. I should 
 have seen to it myself. [To Charlotte.] Go on with 
 your work, Mrs. Collins. A clergyman's wife should set 
 an example of industry. {Looking at Charlotte's em- 
 broidery with disapproval.'] I will send you some more of 
 the parish petticoats to hem, Mrs. Collins. [To Eliza- 
 beth.] Go on with your work, Miss Bennet. Young 
 ladies should never be idle. [Both Elizabeth and Char- 
 lotte go on with their embroidery. Looking hard at 
 Elizabeth.] Pray what is your age, Miss Bennet? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I am not one and twenty. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 You have sisters, have not you? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, Madam. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Are any of them out? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 All, Madam. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 What! All out at once? Very odd! Out before the 
 oldest is married ! 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 121 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 Really, Madam, I think it would be very hard on the 
 younger sisters not to have their share of society because 
 the eldest one does not happen to be married. That would 
 hardly be likely to promote sisterly affection, or delicacy of 
 mind. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 
 Upon my word, you give your opinion very decidedly for 
 so young a person! Your sisters may be married before 
 you. You must not be too ambitious. A good many 
 young girls have lost their chances through being too 
 ambitious. [Looking at a large picture on the wall and 
 then pointing to it.] Mrs. Collins, I suppose you have 
 shown Miss Bennet this print of Pemberley — Mr. Darcy's 
 place ? 
 
 Charlotte. 
 
 Yes, Lady Catherine. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Complacently. 1 Pemberley is one of the finest places 
 in England. My daughter Anne is very fond of it, which 
 is fortunate, since she will probably spend the most of her 
 life there. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 Most fortunate, your Ladyship. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [To Elizabeth.] You see my nephews here often, 
 Miss Bennet? 
 
122 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Mischievously.'] Yes, very often, Lady Catherine. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Humph ! Well, idle young gentlemen often make very 
 foolish use of their time. My daughter, Miss de Bourg, 
 is unfortunately not able to accompany Mr. Darcy in his 
 walks as often as both of them could desire. 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 [Entering.'] I think your Ladyship's mind may be quite 
 at rest about the horses. Jones seems to have them well in 
 hand. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Oh, I am glad you have come back, Mr. Collins. I am 
 going to ask you and Mrs. Collins to go and see the new 
 cottages with me. I shall take you in the carriage. [To 
 Charlotte.] You had better put on a plain bonnet, Mrs. 
 Collins. 
 
 Charlotte. 
 By all means, your Ladyship. [She goes out] 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Are you quite ready to go, Mr. Collins?^ 
 
 Mr. Collins. 
 Oh — assuredly, your Ladyship — quite ! 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [To Elizabeth.] Miss Bennet, I should advise you to 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 123 
 
 write to your family while we are gone. [Charlotte re- 
 turns in Tier bonnet and mantle. Lady Catherine looks 
 her over.] Yes, that will do very well ! 
 
 Charlotte. 
 [To Elizabeth.] We shall not be gone very long, 
 Eliza. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 I am not sure of that, Mrs. Collins, but I have provided 
 an occupation for Miss Bennet during our absence. Good 
 morning, Miss Bennet. I may ask you later for dinner. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Curtsying.'] Good morning, Madam. [All go out } 
 Mr. Collins showing servile attentions to Lady Cath- 
 erine. Elizabeth watches them from the door.] Really ! 
 I might have spared myself some of the mortifications I 
 have felt for the shortcomings of my own family. The 
 contrast is not such a violent one after all. [Looking at 
 the writing desk.] However, Lady Catherine can give 
 good advice. I really ought to write to my poor, dear Jane. 
 [She seats herself at the writing table — gets out her 
 paper, etc. and begins her letter when the door-bell 
 sounds. Elizabeth starts and is putting away the 
 writing materials, when the maid ushers in Mr. 
 Darcy, who seems much excited.] 
 
 Darcy. 
 I am here again, Miss Bennet. I saw Mr. and Mrs. 
 
124 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Collins drive away with my aunt. I have something which 
 I must say to you. [He walks excitedly up and down for 
 a moment, while Elizabeth watches him in amazed silence. 
 Then he suddenly goes up to her and begins to speak in an 
 agitated manner.] Miss Bennet — in vain have I struggled ! 
 It will not do ! My feelings will not be repressed ! You 
 must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love 
 you! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Is perfectly astounded. She stares, colours, doubts, 
 and is silent.'] 
 
 Daroy. 
 
 [Taking her silence for encouragement.] Miss Bennet, 
 I can well understand your own astonishment at this dec- 
 laration, 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 every- 
 one 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 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 125 
 
 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 obliga- 
 tion 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 unwill- 
 ingly. 
 
 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 en- 
 deavour 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 char- 
 
126 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 acter! Was not this some excuse for incivility, if I was 
 uncivil ? 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 I very clearly explained that the objections which ap- 
 pealed 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 re- 
 gard 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. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 127 
 
 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 inter- 
 ference 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 excit- 
 edly.'] 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 con- 
 trast 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 mis- 
 fortunes 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 
 
128 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 this, and yet you can treat the mention of his misfortunes 
 with contempt and ridicule! 
 
 Daecy. 
 
 [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 en- 
 tered your home, for his presence there is a constant source 
 of danger. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 [In indignation.] Mr. Darcy ! 
 
 Daecy. 
 [With dignity.] I am ready to give you the full proofs 
 of all I have said, Miss Bennet, whenever you may so de- 
 sire, although I would gladly forget all the miserable cir- 
 cumstances 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 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 129 
 
 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 re- 
 joice 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 imperti- 
 nence 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 re- 
 fusing 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 Tier with an 
 expression of mortified amazement.] I had not known 
 
130 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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 com- 
 prehend 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 ex- 
 citedly about the room.] To insult my family! To think 
 I was ready to fall on my knees, in gratitude for his con- 
 descension! 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 ex- 
 press has just brought it. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 A letter? Forme? 
 
 Maid. 
 
 Yes, Miss — [She gives Elizabeth the letter; curtsies 
 and goes out.] 
 
PBIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 131 
 
 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 in- 
 tended 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 ex- 
 press? 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? 
 
132 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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, Fitz- 
 william. Get one from the stables. [Fitzwilliam 
 hesitates.] 
 
 Darcy. 
 Go. I will remain with Miss Bennet. 
 [Fitzwilliam goes out.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 133 
 
 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 re- 
 ceived from Longbourn. [She hursts 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? 
 
134 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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. Wiclcham! 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 dis- 
 covered and prevented. But oh, I should have told you! 
 Had his character been known, this could not have 
 happened. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 135 
 
 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 rinks sobbing into a chair while Darcy 
 walks up and down in deep thought. In a moment 
 a carriage is heard outside — then voices.'] 
 
136 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Daroy. 
 [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 
 
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 laugh- 
 able. 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 
 
 139 
 
140 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 141 
 
 father now in London, yon 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. 
 
142 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 143 
 
 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 
 hisses 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 reach es 
 for the letter.] 
 
144 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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. Wick- 
 ham'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 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 145 
 
 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 ! 
 
146 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 147 
 
 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 Char- 
 lotte and Mr. Collins without his help ? Mr. Darcy made 
 everything so smooth and plausible for your sudden de- 
 parture. 
 
 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. 
 
148 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 [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. [Sud- 
 denly 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 be- 
 sides 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 ! 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 149 
 
 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. 
 
150 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 151 
 
 Mr. Bennet. 
 Yes, one hundred a year. Do you think that any man in 
 his proper senses would marry Lydia on so slight a tempta- 
 tion as one hundred a year ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 That is very true, though it had not occurred to me be- 
 fore. 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.'] 
 
152 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Surely I hear voices. [Looking off.] Why, they have 
 come. See papa — Jane — there are Lydia and Wickham. 
 
 Mb. Bennet. 
 
 Yes, here they are. I will go to the library. I can re- 
 ceive their congratulations later. You know I am pro- 
 digiously fond of Wickham, Lizzy. I defy even Sir Wil- 
 liam 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 fol- 
 lowed 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.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 153 
 
 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 
 
 > 
 
154 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 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 Wick- 
 ham. [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, tut 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.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 155 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 Oh, my dear, dear Lydia! [To Wickham with affec- 
 tionate 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 ? 
 
 Lydia. 
 Oh, I have a lot already. You may be sure I would not 
 forget them. 
 
 Mrs. Bennet. 
 [Alarmed.] But you didn't know the best warehouses! 
 Well, never mind, we will see to that later. Now you must 
 
156 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 all come in and have dinner. You must be famished. 
 Come, girls. Come, my dear Wickham. 
 
 [They all go toward the house. At the door Lydia 
 pushes Jane back.] 
 
 Lydia. 
 Ah, Jane, I take your place now. I go first because I 
 am a married woman. 
 
 [They all go into the house. After a pause, Harris's 
 voice is heard outside,"] 
 
 Harris. 
 Will not you come into the house, Madam? 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Entering, followed by Harris.] No, I prefer to remain 
 here. Tell Miss Elizabeth Bennet that a lady wishes to 
 see her at once. Remember, I cannot be kept waiting. 
 
 Harris. 
 Yes, Madam. [He bows and goes out.] 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Looks about her with a sniff, then deliberately seats 
 herself in the big garden chair with the umbrella over it. 
 She mutters to herself from time to time and taps her foot 
 impatiently.] Insufferable impudence! Conceited little 
 minx ! She shall have a piece of my mind. 
 
 [Elizabeth comes to her from the house.] 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 157 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Without moving.'] Miss Bennet, you can be at no loss 
 to understand the reason of my journey hither. Your own 
 heart — your own conscience must tell you why I come. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [In unaffected astonishment.'] Indeed, you are mis- 
 taken, Madam. I am not at all able to account for the 
 honour of seeing you here. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Miss Bennet, you ought to know that I am not to be 
 trifled with. I have just been told that you — that Miss 
 Elizabeth Bennet would in all likelihood be soon married 
 to my nephew, Mr. Darcy. Though I know it to be a 
 scandalous falsehood, I instantly resolved on setting off 
 for this place that I might make my sentiments known to 
 you. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [With astonishment and disdain.] " If you believed it 
 impossible to be true, I wonder you took the trouble of 
 coming so far. What could your Ladyship propose by it? 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 At once to insist upon having such a report universally 
 contradicted. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Coolly.] Your coming to Longbourn to see me and my 
 
158 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 family, will be rather a confirmation of it, if indeed such a 
 report is in existence. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Do you 
 not know that such a report is spread about? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I never heard that it was. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 And can you likewise declare that there is no foundation 
 for it? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Your Ladyship may ask questions which I shall not 
 choose to answer. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 This is not to be borne. Miss Bennet, I insist upon be- 
 ing satisfied. Has he — has my nephew made you an offer 
 of marriage? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 It ought to be so. But your arts and allurements may 
 have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all 
 his family. You may have drawn him in. 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 159 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Miss Bennet, do yon know who I am? I have not been 
 accustomed to such language as this. I am Mr. Darcy's 
 own aunt, and am entitled to know all his dearest con- 
 cerns. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 But you are not entitled to know mine. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Let me be rightly understood. This match can never 
 take place. No, never. Mr. Darcy is engaged to my 
 daughter. Now what have you got to say ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Only this — that if it is so, you can have no reason to 
 suppose Mr. Darcy will make an offer to me. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Hesitating.'] The engagement between them is of a 
 peculiar kind. While in their cradles, my sister and I 
 planned their union. Do you pay no regard to the wishes 
 of his friends? Do not you see that honour, decorum — 
 nay, interest, forbid you marrying my nephew? Yes m- 
 terestj Miss Bennet. For you will be slighted and despised 
 by everyone connected with him ! 
 
160 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 These are heavy misfortunes. But the wife of Mr. 
 Darcy must have such extraordinary sources of happiness 
 that she could have no cause to repine. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [In a rage.'] Obstinate, headstrong girl ! Tell me once 
 for all — are you engaged to my nephew? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 {Hesitates, then firmly.] I am not. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [Relieved.] And will you promise me never to enter 
 into such an engagement ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 I will make no promise of the kind. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Miss Bennet, I am shocked and astonished. I shall not 
 go away until you have given me the assurance I require. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 And I certainly never shall give it. I must beg, there- 
 fore, to be importuned no further on the subject. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 [In a fury, but trying to speak calmly.] Not so hasty, 
 if you please. I had hoped to spare you this last humilia- 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 161 
 
 tion — but your insolence forbids it. I am no stranger to 
 the particulars of your sister's infamous elopement. I 
 know all ! The young man's marrying her was a patched- 
 up business at the expense of my nephew. [Elizabeth 
 starts violently. 1 Oh, you needn't start, Miss! Nobody 
 knows about the whole affair better than you. But I don't 
 wonder you blush to find yourself discovered. You used 
 your arts well. My nephew must have spent full five or 
 six thousand pounds to save your family from disgrace. I 
 should think that such generosity might appeal a little to 
 your gratitude and your sense of decency. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Amazed.] Oh, Madam,— I 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 It is quite useless to protest. I have my facts from the 
 best authority. Heaven knows Darcy has reason enough 
 to keep away from Wickham's flirtations and entangle- 
 ments, but [stopping herself.] that is a family affair. 
 However, you have managed to get him mixed up in them 
 again to the extent of five thousand pounds. But that is 
 not enough, — you want to make this shameless girl my 
 nephew's sister, and the son of his father's steward his 
 brother. Heaven and Earth! Are the shades of Pem- 
 berley to be thus polluted ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Speaking with great effort.] Madam, you have in- 
 
162 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 suited me in every possible manner. I must beg to return 
 to the house. This is beyond endurance. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 Selfish girl ! You are then resolved to have him ? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Lady Catherine, I have nothing further to say. 
 
 Lady Catherine. 
 
 [Rising from her chair.] Very well. I shall now know 
 how to act. Do not imagine your ambition will be grati- 
 fied. Depend upon it, I shall carry my point. [Going.] 
 I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. You deserve no such 
 attention. You will see what it is to rouse my displeasure. 
 
 [Lady Catherine goes out] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Sinking upon the garden seat, overwhelmed.] Can it 
 be possible? Do we owe all this to Darcy? Oh, it is 
 intolerable! [She puts her hands over her face in an 
 abandonment of grief.] 
 
 Jane. 
 [Is heard outside calling.] Lizzy! Lizzy! [She 
 enters, and on seeing her sister rushes to her.] Lizzy 
 dear! What is it? Is there any new trouble? 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Throwing her arms about her sister.] Oh, Jane, Jane ! 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 163 
 
 Yes, there is no end of trouble. Lady Catherine has been 
 here. 
 
 Jane. 
 [Astounded.] Lady Catherine! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, yes, and — she says — that— oh, Jane 
 
 Jane. 
 [Distressed.] Tell me, Lizzy! 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 She says it was Darcy who paid all the money to Wick- 
 ham — it was Darcy saved us— and — and she says I per- 
 suaded him. / ensnared him, and — and she has insulted 
 me. 
 
 Jane. 
 My dear, dear Lizzy. - There must be some mistake. It 
 was my good uncle who 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [A little calmer.] No — no, Jane, it must be true. I 
 can put things together now. My aunt's hints in the let- 
 ter — you know I did not want to show it you. Then what 
 Lydia let fall, and her fear of Wickham's anger. 
 
 Jane. 
 
 [Soothingly.] Well, dear, even so, Mr. Darcy's motive 
 is clear enough — and that should give you no pain. 
 
164 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 You are mistaken. I know his motive. He feels that 
 he is responsible because he was silent about Wickham's 
 true character. He told me that all this would never have 
 happened, had he done his duty. And now, he will despise 
 us. He will never wish to see us again as long as he lives ! 
 [She walks up and down in great excitement.'] 
 
 Harris. 
 [Entering; to Jane.] The young gentlemen from 
 Netherfield, Madam. I told them they would find you here. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Oh, Jane, I cannot see them. 
 
 [She tries to run away, hut before she can escape 
 Bingley enters, all smiles, followed by Darcy, 
 who looks very much troubled and excited. They 
 are both in riding dress; Darcy carries a whip.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Shaking hands.] Miss Bennet, I am so happy to see 
 you again. Miss Elizabeth, it is good indeed to be back 
 once more at Longbourn. 
 
 [He takes Jane to a garden seat] 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Embarrassed.] Miss Bennet, believe me, I should not 
 have followed my friend. I only expected to ride with 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 165 
 
 him to the Lodge, but — but I met my aunt coming away 
 from here, and from something she said, I feared, — I 
 imagined she might have offended — distressed you. 
 [Elizabeth does not reply.] 
 
 Bingley. 
 [Gaily.] Miss Bennet is going to show me the Hermit- 
 age. We shall be back directly. 
 [Jane and Bingley go out] 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Looking anxiously at Elizabeth, who remains silent.] 
 Forgive my intrusion. I will go. 
 [He starts to go away.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Recovering herself.] No — stay, Mr. Darcy. Excuse 
 my own incivility. Your aunt's visit has excited me. I 
 shall be myself in a moment. [Darcy stands by, misera- 
 ble. At length she speaks in a calmer tone.] Mr. Darcy, 
 your aunt has told me of our overwhelming obligation to 
 you. You must let me thank you for your unexampled 
 kindness to my poor sister. 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Exploding and banging his whip against his knees.] 
 Damn! — Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss Bennet. I beg 
 your pardon. What right has my aunt to meddle in my 
 affairs ? How dare she give you such distress ? 
 
166 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 It is far better that we know the truth, Mr. Darcy. For 
 my part, I can never express to you our obligation. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Oh, Miss Bennet — I beg of you! The obligation was 
 entirely my own. I only did what was my decent, plain 
 duty. [Faltering.'] You remember — I told you — if I 
 had spoken, this would never have happened. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Yes, I remember. But you exaggerated your responsi- 
 bility. I — we — of course my father will see you about 
 your loan to us. I would not have Lady Catherine 
 
 think 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Furious again.'] Oh, I will settle matters with Lady 
 Catherine! Have no fears on that score, Miss Bennet. 
 She shall be set right, I assure you. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 Thank you. And for all your trouble — your kindness 
 — my family can never repay you. 
 
 Darcy. 
 Your family owes me nothing. If I had any thought be- 
 yond my duty, it was a thought of — you. [Elizabeth 
 turns away.] Oh, pardon me. Perhaps, I ought not to 
 say all this — but I owe you a great deal, Miss Bennet — 
 
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 167 
 
 more than yon can know; and I want yon to understand 
 me better. I really am not the pretentious prig I must 
 have seemed to you. I wish you could forgive my abomin- 
 able pride. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Loohing at him with a half smile.'] I will, on one 
 condition. 
 
 Daroy. 
 
 Name it. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 That you forget my unwarrantable prejudice. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 Oh, Miss Bennet ! [He goes impetuously forward — then 
 restraining himself, smiles and looks down at her.] I really 
 think, after all, I shall have to be grateful to my aunt. She 
 has done us an enormous service. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Smiling still more.] Well, Lady Catherine loves to be 
 useful ! 
 
 [At the bach of the scene Bistgley and Jane, absorbed 
 in each other, pass by, hand in hand. Elizabeth 
 holes at them, then turns to Daroy.] 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Archly.] Is that by your permission? 
 
168 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE: A PLAY 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Ruefully.] Yes, I told you I had been kinder to my 
 friend than to myself. 
 
 [Elizabeth, silent, still looks after Bingley and 
 Jane.] 
 
 Darcy. 
 [Continues in a discouraged tone.] Well, I deserve it. 
 It is my own fault. My selfish conceit has wounded you 
 past help. Every sentiment of your nature has felt it — 
 seen it. 
 
 Elizabeth. 
 [Demurely.] But one sentiment they say is blind. 
 
 Darcy. 
 
 [Stunned.] Miss Bennet! [Elizabeth loohs up at 
 him. He rushes toward her.] Dearest, loveliest Eliza- 
 beth! 
 
 [He holds her in his arms.] 
 
 curtain. 
 

 
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