Getting them out of the way
Posted by Bob S. on December 02, 1997 at 16:00:31:
In response to I insist, written by Constanza on December 02, 1997 at 15:12:34
] So, in JA words:
] THE Bennets were engaged to dine with the Lucases, and again during the chief of the day, was Miss Lucas so kind as to listen to Mr. Collins. Elizabeth took an opportunity of thanking her. ``It keeps him in good humour,'' said she, ``and I am more obliged to you than I can express.'' Charlotte assured her friend of her satisfaction in being useful, and that it amply repaid her for the little sacrifice of her time. This was very amiable, but Charlotte's kindness extended farther than Elizabeth had any conception of;
]
It is interesting to me that this exchange between Elizabeth and Charlotte is paralleled later between Mrs. Bennett and Elizabeth concerning Darcy:
"'What shall we do with him? Lizzy, you must walk out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley's way.'
Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal...
'I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have that disagreeable man all to yourself. but I hope you will not mind it: it is all for Jane's sake, you know; and there is no occasion for talking to him, except just now and then.'" (Chapter 59) (I wish this scene would have been in P&P2)
Maybe the moral here is that you should think twice before sending your friend (or sister, or daughter) out with a man that you find to be disagreeable. :-)
Bob S.
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