I was thinking that when Mr Collins wrote his letter, despite his self-demeaning phrases, the letter also expresses "...,I have frequently wished to heal the breach..." and " Concerned at being the means of injuring your amicable daughters, and beg leave to apologize for it, as well as assure you of my readiness to make them every possible amends,-" i.e it has a conciliatory tone. Even Mr Bennet gives some credit for his polite, well meaning intentions. He also remarks the young man could prove a valuble acquitance. He's shrewd I don't know if he's already part guessed Mr Collin's matrimonial intentions (so hopes to find him a silly man who may take away a silly younger Bennet girl?) Mr Collins is in no way obliged to apologize to the Bennets nor make any amends yet he does attempt to do so. Mr Collins 'means well'. However, at dinner Mr B. decides on the subject of Lady Catherine for conversation. He realizes although Mr. C has a 'noble patroness' he'II spend his life 'in a servitude state' to her. Lady Catherine advises him to marry, Mr Collins says at dinner. Mr Bennet may wonder if his cousin is capable of making any decisions without Lady C ! By now, I imagine Mr Bennet decides it's quite enough just being cousins with Mr Collins. :)