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

Elizabeth

This feeling does you honour. But what can have induced Mr. Darcy to behave so cruelly?

Wickham

I must attribute it in some measure to his jealousy. His father's uncommon attachment to me irritated him, but the fact is, Miss Elizabeth, as you can see, we are very different men, and he hates me.

Elizabeth

His disposition must be dreadful.

Wickham

I will not trust myself on that subject.

Elizabeth

To treat in such a manner the godson – the friend – the favourite of his father! How abominable!

Wickham

And yet, Miss Elizabeth, we must try to be just to him. Mr. Darcy has many good qualities. He can be both liberal and generous. He has also a brother's affection and pride which makes him a careful guardian of his sister.

Elizabeth

Oh, he has a sister?

Wickham

Yes. You will hear him cried up as the most attentive and best of brothers. Oh, Mr. Darcy can please when he chooses. Among those who are his equals he is a very different man from what he is to the less prosperous.

Elizabeth

Contemptible!

Colonel Forster

[Interrupting.] Wickham!

Wickham

[Starting.] Yes, Colonel Forster.

Colonel Forster

I fear we must be going.

Wickham

[Hurriedly to Elizabeth.] Thank you for listening to me. It is hard to be misjudged.

Elizabeth

Thank you for your confidence. It is well to know the truth.

Colonel Forster

Well, Miss Elizabeth, I hope we shall see you all at your aunt's on Wednesday. Good morning. [To Jane.] Good morning, Miss Bennet. Thank you for the music. Please present my respects to Mrs. Bennet. I am sorry that we cannot wait longer.

Wickham

[Effusively.] Yes, Miss Bennet, be sure to give your mother my best regards. Good morning – [All bow and curtsy. As he is leaving he speaks aside.] Oh, Miss Elizabeth, may I entreat —

Elizabeth

You may depend upon my sympathy.

Wickham

[Looking at her with an understanding smile.] I am most grateful.

[The gentlemen go out of the door. Jane and Elizabeth go into the recess and look from the window. There is a short pause.]

Mrs. Bennet

[Enters, flurried, and looks about her.] Well, have they gone?

[Mr. Collins enters through the glass doors at the center. He sees Mrs. Bennet.]

Mr. Collins

Oh, Madam, I am just returned from attending on Mr. Darcy. Such a privilege! He was most condescending. I was able to tell him that Lady Catherine was very well on Saturday sennight. He is very like Lady Catherine. I am sure you must have been impressed by his distinguished manners.

Mrs. Bennet

Well, really, Mr. Collins!

[A titter is heard from the recess where the girls are seated, and then Jane's voice.]

Jane

Oh, Lizzy, hush!

Mr. Collins

[Hearing this, turns and discovers the two girls. Then he speaks to Mrs. Bennet with lowered voice, as if an idea had just come to him.] This meeting is most opportune. Will you kindly step this way for a moment? [He draws Mrs. Bennet aside.] May I hope, Madam, for your interest with your fair daughter Jane, in the matter on which we were speaking yesterday? I would solicit the honour of a private audience with her this morning.

Mrs. Bennet