CHAPTER XV.
Chapter XV opens with a character sketch of Mr. Collins, then follows his scheme to marry one of the Bennet daughters as amends for inheriting Longbourn. After briefly fixing on Jane, he is steered toward Elizabeth by a hint from Mrs. Bennet.…
Mr. Collins’s Character and Background
Mr. Collins is introduced as deficient in sense, with only a university education of form rather than substance.…
Mr. Collins’s Plan to Marry
Now comfortably housed and adequately income, Mr. Collins intends to marry. In seeking a reconciliation with the Longbourn family, he plans to choose one of the Bennet daughters,…
Confirmation of His Plan
On seeing the Bennet daughters, Mr. Collins’s plan does not change. Miss Bennet’s lovely face confirms his views and his notions of the respect due to seniority, and for the first…
Mrs. Bennet’s Hint About Jane
The next morning, a quarter of an hour’s private conversation with Mrs. Bennet before breakfast turns from his parsonage to his hopes of finding a mistress at Longbourn. Mrs.…
Mr. Collins Changes His Choice to Elizabeth
Mr. Collins has only to shift from Jane to Elizabeth, and the change is done in an instant while Mrs. Bennet stirs the fire.…
Mrs. Bennet’s Delight
Mrs. Bennet treasures the hint and trusts she may soon have two daughters married. The man she could not bear to speak of the day before is now high in her good graces.
Lydia’s Plan to Walk to Meryton
Lydia’s intention of walking to Meryton is not forgotten. Every sister except Mary agrees to accompany her, and at Mr. Bennet’s request Mr. Collins is to attend them, since Mr.…
Mr. Bennet’s Escape to His Library
Mr. Bennet is discomposed by Mr. Collins following him into his library after breakfast and continuing to talk there, with little cessation, about his house and garden at Hunsford…
The Walk to Meryton
Mr. Collins, better fitted for a walker than a reader, is extremely pleased to close his large book and go.…
Mr. Collins in the Library
In the library, Mr. Collins appears nominally engaged with one of the largest folios in the collection but is really talking to Mr.…
The Walk Continues
After entering Meryton, the walk continues with the younger sisters distracted by the officers.…
Introduction of Mr. Wickham
The attention of every lady is caught by a young man of most gentlemanlike appearance walking with an officer on the other side of the way. The officer is Mr.…
The Meeting of Darcy and Wickham
While the party is still standing and talking agreeably, the sound of horses draws their notice and Darcy and Bingley are seen riding down the street.…
Bingley and Darcy Ride Away
In another minute, Mr. Bingley, without seeming to have noticed what passed, takes leave and rides on with his friend.
Mr. Wickham’s Appearance and Address
Mr. Wickham needs only regimentals to make him completely charming. His appearance is greatly in his favour: all the best parts of beauty, a fine countenance, a good figure, and v…
Visit to Mrs. Philips
Mr. Denny and Mr. Wickham walk with the young ladies to the door of Mr. Philips’s house, and then make their bows in spite of Miss Lydia’s pressing entreaties and even in spite of…
Mrs. Philips’s Curiosity About the Stranger
Mrs. Philips receives Mr. Collins with her very best politeness, which he returns with even more, apologizing for his intrusion without previous acquaintance and flattering himsel…
Dinner Invitation Extended
Some of the officers are to dine with the Philipses the next day, and their aunt promises to make her husband call on Mr.…
Lottery and Supper Plans
Mrs. Philips protests that they will have a nice comfortable noisy game of lottery tickets and a little bit of hot supper afterwards.…
Departure in Good Spirits
The visit ends in mutual good spirits. Mr. Collins repeats his apologies on quitting the room and is assured, with unwearying civility, that they are perfectly needless.…
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page offers a compressed quick-read summary for educational purposes.