Pride and Prejudice. Адаптированная книга для чтения на английском языке. Intermediate

В«The garden in which stands my humble abode is separated only by a lane from Rosings Park, her ladyship's residenceВ».

В«I think you said she was a widow, sir? Has she any family?В»

В«She has only one daughter, the heiress of Rosings, and of very extensive propertyВ».

Mrs. Bennet then wanted to know what sort of young lady the daughter was, whether she was beautiful.

Mr. Collins said Miss de Bourgh was a most charming young lady indeed, but unfortunately of a sickly constitution, which has prevented her from making that progress in many accomplishments which she could have otherwise achieved, as he was informed by the lady who supervised her education.

В«Has she been presented? I do not remember her name among the ladies at courtВ».

В«Her poor state of health unhappily prevents her being in town. As I told Lady Catherine one day, that has deprived the British court of its brightest ornament. Her ladyship seemed pleased with the idea; and you may imagine that I am happy on every occasion to offer those little delicate compliments which are always acceptable to ladiesВ».

В«You possess the talent of flattering with delicacyВ», said Mr. Bennet, В«and may I ask whether you pay these pleasing compliments on an impulse, or are they the result of previous composition?В»

В«They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though I sometimes amuse myself with composing such little elegant compliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always try to make them sound as spontaneous as possibleВ».

Mr. Bennet's expectations were fully answered. His cousin was as absurd as he had hoped, and he listened to him with great enjoyment, keeping at the same time the most serious expression on his face, and only occasionally glancing at Elizabeth.

By tea-time, however, the dose had been enough, and Mr. Bennet was glad to take his guest into the drawing-room again, and, when tea was over, glad to invite him to read aloud to the ladies. Mr. Collins readily agreed, but when a book was produced, he started back and said that he never read novels.

В«Do you know, mamma, that my uncle Phillips talks of dismissing Richard, and if he does, Colonel Forster will hire him. I shall walk to Meryton to-morrow to hear more about it, and to ask when Mr.