Chapter 20½ To his own surprise, Mr. Collins found his feelings towards Elizabeth had not dwindled. Upon seeing her the following morning at breakfast, he resolved to have her hand. Her refusal of him, he reasoned, must be simply the female response to a marriage proposal, for a refusal from her to someone such as himself was unthinkable. Miss Elizabeth is, he thought, more stubborn and opinionated than most women. It might require more to convince …showed first 75 words of 1052 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1052 total…assure you that this answer is definite, I shall not accept your offer.” With that, Elizabeth rose and quitted the garden. Mr. Collins decided to end his pursuit and leave the situation with his pride, though injured, still intact. He must move past Elizabeth, and soon, for he resolved that he must find a wife before his return to the parsonage. Lady Catherine must not have to condescend again to bid he find a wife.