'I am not now to learn,' replied Mr Collins, with a formal wave of the hand, 'that it is usual with young ladies to reject the addresses of of the man whom they secretly mean to accept, when he first applies for their favour; and that sometimes the refusual is repeated a second or even a third time...'

I love this part of the proposal. Mr Collins cannot believe Lizzy is refusing him. He thinks she follows an 'established custom' of her sex. He is so determined not to be discouraged !