Jane Austen
next day, and their aunt promised to make her husband call on Mr. Wickham, and give him
an invitation also, if the family from Longbourn would come in the evening. This was
agreed to, and Mrs. Phillips protested that they would have a nice comfortable noisy game
of lottery tickets, and a little bit of hot supper afterwards. The prospect of such delights was
very cheering, and they parted in mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeated his apologies in
quitting the room, and was assured with unwearying civility that they were perfectly
needless.
As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen pass between the two
gentlemen; but though Jane would have defended either or both, had they appeared to be in
the wrong, she could no more explain such behaviour than her sister.
Mr. Collins on his return highly gratified Mrs. Bennet by admiring Mrs. Phillips's
manners and politeness. He protested that, except Lady Catherine and her daughter, he had
annaabi.ee 
