My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have this moment found out 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.
[Taking 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.