Chapter 19
Mr. Collins proposes
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1 Longbourn sits small and quiet among wet November fields after the Netherfield ball.
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2 At Longbourn, Mr. Collins prepares to address Mrs. Bennet with solemn assurance.
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3 Mr. Collins solicits Mrs. Bennet’s permission to address Elizabeth privately.
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4 Elizabeth's needle stops mid-stitch as Mr. Collins's request makes her blush
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5 Mrs. Bennet gathers her needlework and summons Kitty upstairs, clearing the way
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6 Elizabeth appeals to her mother as Mrs. Bennet gathers her work and starts toward the door.
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7 Mrs. Bennet points Elizabeth back to her chair, stopping her attempted escape.
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8 Elizabeth occupies her hands with needlework after submitting to her mother's insistence.
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9 With Mrs. Bennet and Kitty gone, Mr. Collins draws himself up to begin.
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10 Mr. Collins declares his settled intentions across the breakfast-room table.
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11 Mr. Collins, hand on his breast, solemnly warns of being carried away by his feelings
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12 Elizabeth presses her lips together over her needlework, barely containing her laughter.
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13 Mr. Collins solemnly counts his first reason for marrying, like a parish address
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14 Mr. Collins raises his hand as he recites Lady Catherine's advice in his proposal
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15 Elizabeth settles her needlework on the mahogany table, her fingertips holding its last fold flat.
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16 Mr. Collins dismisses Elizabeth’s refusal with a ceremonious wave, his confidence intact.
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17 Elizabeth insists that her refusal is a considered decision.
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18 Elizabeth steps toward the door after declaring the matter settled.
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19 Elizabeth turns back to Mr. Collins, cheeks colouring, insisting he believe her refusal
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20 Elizabeth presses her hand on the mahogany as Collins takes her refusal as encouragement
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21 Elizabeth's steady eyes appeal to be believed as she speaks the truth from her heart
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22 Mr. Collins answers Elizabeth’s earnest refusal with a stiff bow and a complacent smile.
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23 Elizabeth walks firmly toward the doorway, her last refusal complete.
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24 Elizabeth’s unfinished needlework rests beside her empty chair after her silent withdrawal.
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