Jane Austen
rendered interesting by the skill of the speaker.
With such rivals for the notice of the fair as Mr. Wickham and the officers, Mr. Collins
seemed to sink into insignificance; to the young ladies he certainly was nothing; but he had
still at intervals a kind listener in Mrs. Phillips, and was by her watchfulness, most
abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin. When the card-tables were placed, he had the
opportunity of obliging her in turn, by sitting down to whist.
"I know little of the game at present," said he, "but I shall be glad to improve myself, for
in my situation in life--" Mrs. Phillips was very glad for his compliance, but could not wait
for his reason.
Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he received at the other
table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there seemed danger of Lydia's engrossing him
entirely, for she was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery
annaabi.ee 
