"Mr. Darcy, you see, is the man! Now, Lizzy, I think I have surprised you. Could he or the Lucases have pitched on any man, within the circle of our acquaintance, whose name would have given the lie more effectually to what they related? Mr. Darcy, who never looks at any woman but to see a blemish, and who probably never looked at you in his life! It is admirable!"

Mr Collin's letter serves to inform Mr. Bennet of the rumors currently being spread about Elizabeth. It is a great piece of storytelling to have Mr. B laugh off the rumors, instead of taking them seriously.

Elizabeth tried to join in her father's pleasantry, but could only force one most reluctant smile. Never had his wit been directed in a manner so little agreeable to her.

The last thing Elizabeth needs at this time of uncertainty regarding Darcy affection and having her father laugh at the very idea was unsettling.

Her father had most cruelly mortified her by what he said of Mr. Darcy's indifference; and she could do nothing but wonder at such a want of penetration, or fear that, perhaps, instead of his seeing too little, she might have fancied too much.