that day the B ennets, with Mr Collins, went to dinner with the L 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 she was ng. But Charlotte's kindness had a particular aim, was unaware of. H plan was to encourage Mr Collins to transfer h attentions to herself. In fact, she was managing so well that. when she said goodnight to him after inner, she have felt sure of success if he had been staying in Hertfordshire for anoth week. But she did not fully appreciate the fire and independence of his character, whic 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 her feet. She did not keep him waiting tori 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 felt before, how many more years Mr Bennet was likely to 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 highy 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 to have found a husband. She knew, however, that Elizabeth, whose friendship she greatly valued, would be astonished and possibly disapproving So se decided to go to Longbourn House to tell her friend the news herself Elizabeth was indeed shocked at first, and could