Before You Read: Target Vocabulary
Essential words to understand this chapter easily.
patroness
/ˈpeɪtrənəs/A wealthy or influential woman who protects, supports, or sponsors a person or institution.
heiress
/ˈeəres/A female who inherits or has the legal right to inherit a vast fortune, title, or property.
compliment
/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/A polite remark that expresses admiration, praise, or respect.
flatter
/ˈflætə/To praise someone insincerely or excessively, usually to win their favor.
Chapter Text Preview
During dinner, Mr. Bennet had remained almost completely silent. However, when the servants finally left the dining room, he decided it was time to talk with his guest. He chose a topic that he knew would make Mr. Collins shine: his generous patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Mr. Bennet remarked that Mr. Collins seemed exceptionally lucky to have such a great lady take an interest in his comfort. Mr. Collins immediately became enthusiastic. The subject seemed to make him even more serious and dignified than before. He declared that he had never in his life witnessed such kindness and polite...
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