Jane Austen
It was an
encouragement of vice; and had I been the rector of Longbourn, I should very strenuously
have opposed it. You ought certainly to forgive them, as a Christian, but never to admit
them in your sight, or allow their names to be mentioned in your hearing.' That is his notion
of Christian forgiveness! The rest of his letter is only about his dear Charlotte's situation,
and his expectation of a young olive-branch. But, Lizzy, you look as if you did not enjoy it.
You are not going to be missish, I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report. For
what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?"
"Oh!" cried Elizabeth, "I am excessively diverted. But it is so strange!"
"Yes--that is what makes it amusing. Had they fixed on any other man it would have
been nothing; but his perfect indifference, and your pointed dislike, make it so delightfully
absurd! Much as I abominate writing, I would not give up Mr. Collins's correspondence for
annaabi.ee 
