That day the Bennets, with Mr Collins, went to dinner with the Lucas family at Lucas Lodge. Again it was Charlotte who spent most of the evening listening to Mr Collins. Elizabeth was very relieved, and thanked her friend gratefully for the trouble he was taking. But Charlotte's kindness had a particular aim. which Elizabeth was unaware of Her plan was to encourage r Collins tc transfer his attentions to herself. In fact, she was managing so well that, when she said goodnight to him after dinner, she would have felt sure of success if he had been staying in Hertfordshire for another week. But she did not fully independence of his character, which appreciate the caused him to get up very early the next morning and escape from Longbourn House, in a great hurry to reach Lucas Lodge and throw himself at Fer feet. She did not keep him waiting for an answer, and the happy couple found themselves engaged as quickly as Mr Collins' long speeches would allow Charlotte's parents were delighted to agree to the marriage, and Lady Lucas began to work out, with more interest than she had ever felr before. how many more years Mr Bennet was likely ro live. Charlotte herself was quite satisfied. Mr Collins, certainly, was neither sensible nor agreeable but still he would be a husband She did not think highly of men or of marriage, but she had always intended to marry Although marriage might not always bring happiness, it was the only honourable way in which a well-educated woman with little income could provide a home for herself. Now twenty seven, and lacking beauty, she felt she was lucky ro have found a husband. She knew, however, that Elizabeth, whose friendship she greatly valued, would be astonished and possibly disapproving. so she decided to go to Longbourn House to tell her friend the news herself. Elizabeth was indeed shocked at first, and could