Pride and Prejudice, a play founded on Jane Austen's novel

Elizabeth

Mamma does not understand. I deserve neither such praise nor such censure. I am not a great reader, and I have pleasure in many things.

Darcy

So I should have thought.

Bingley

[Looking at the screen which he holds in his hand.]

It is amazing to me how young ladies can have patience to be so very accomplished as they are; to think how you all paint tables and cover screens and net purses. It is quite wonderful.

Elizabeth

Do you agree with your friend, Mr. Darcy?

Darcy

His list of the common extent of accomplishments has too much truth. But I cannot boast of knowing more than half a dozen young ladies in the whole range of my acquaintance that are really accomplished.

Elizabeth

Then you must comprehend a great deal in your idea of an accomplished woman.

Darcy

Perhaps. To deserve the word, a woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages. She must also possess a certain something in her air and manner of walking – the tone of her voice – her address and expression, and to all this she must yet add something more substantial – [With a little bow to Elizabeth.] in the improvement of her mind by extensive reading.

Elizabeth

[Laughing.] I am no longer surprised at your knowing only six accomplished women! I rather wonder at your knowing any.

Harris

[Enters and announces.] Colonel Forster and Mr. Wickham.

[The gentlemen enter, smiling.]

Wickham

Here I am again, Mrs. Bennet. I found that Colonel Forster had a message for the young ladies.

Mrs. Bennet

I am delighted to see you. You are just in time to meet our new neighbours. [Introducing the gentlemen.] Colonel Forster, Mr. Wickham – Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.

[As the gentlemen enter, Mr. Darcy has his back turned to them in conversation with Elizabeth. At the sound of Wickham's voice he starts and turns so that he faces the latter just in time for the introduction. At sight of Darcy, Wickham starts and is greatly confused. Darcy stiffens and scarcely nods when Wickham is introduced. The whole situation is so marked that everyone looks on with an astonishment to which Mrs. Bennet gives audible expression.]

Mrs. Bennet

Well, well! If ever there was a proud, stiff man —

Jane

[In a dismayed whisper.] Mamma!

Bingley

[Looking distressed, speaks hurriedly.] Oh, Mrs. Bennet, I'm sorry that we cannot wait for Mr. Bennet. We – we – were on the way to meet my steward – and we are already late for the appointment.

Mrs. Bennet

[Effusively.] I am very sorry you must go, Mr. Bingley. But I hope you will come again. We must engage you soon for dinner.

Bingley

[In an absent and worried way.] It will be a pleasure.

[Then with bows, the party moves toward the door.]

Mrs. Bennet

[Bustling.] Your best way to the paddock is by the terrace.

[The gentlemen have almost reached the glass doors when Mr. Collins comes in excitedly, putting himself directly in the way of Bingley and Darcy.]

Mr. Collins

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.