Chapter 20

CAPITULO XX

Mr. Collins was not left long to the silent contemplation of his successful love; for Mrs. Bennet, having dawdled about in the vestibule to watch for the end of the conference, no sooner saw Elizabeth open the door and with quick step pass her towards the staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect or their nearer connection. Mr. Collins received and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and then proceeded to relate the particulars of their interview, with the result of which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since the refusal which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flow from her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character. A Collins no lo dejaron mucho tiempo meditar en silencio el éxito de su amor; porque la señora Bennet que se había quedado en el vestíbulo esperando el final de la conversación, en cuanto vio que Elizabeth abría la puerta y se dirigía con paso veloz a la escalera, entró en el comedor y felicitó a Collins, congratulándose por el venturoso proyecto de la cercana unión. Después de aceptar y devolver esas felicitaciones con el mismo alborozo, Collins procedió a explicar los detalles de la entrevista, de cuyo resultado estaba satisfecho, pues la firme negativa de su prima no podía provenir, naturalmente, más que de su tímida modestia y de la delicadeza de su carácter.
This information, however, startled Mrs. Bennet; she would have been glad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to encourage him by protesting against his proposals, but she dared not believe it, and could not help saying so. Pero sus noticias sobresaltaron a la señora Bennet. También ella hubiese querido creer que su hija había tratado únicamente de animar a Collins al rechazar sus proposiciones; pero no se atrevía a admitirlo, y así se lo manifestó a Collins.
"But, depend upon it, Mr. Collins," she added, "that Lizzy shall be brought to reason. I will speak to her about it directly. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interest but I will make her know it." Lo importante ––añadió–– es que Lizzy entre en razón. Hablaré personalmente con ella de este asunto. Es una chica muy terca y muy loca y no sabe lo que le conviene, pero ya se lo haré saber yo.
"Pardon me for interrupting you, madam," cried Mr. Collins; "but if she is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she would altogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, who naturally looks for happiness in the marriage state. If therefore she actually persists in rejecting my suit, perhaps it were better not to force her into accepting me, because if liable to such defects of temper, she could not contribute much to my felicity." Perdóneme que la interrumpa ––exclamó Collins––, pero si en realidad es terca y loca, no sé si, en conjunto, es una esposa deseable para un hombre en mi situación, que naturalmente busca felicidad en el matrimonio. Por consiguiente, si insiste en rechazar mi petición, acaso sea mejor no forzarla a que me acepte, porque si tiene esos defectos, no contribuiría mucho que digamos a mi ventura.
"Sir, you quite misunderstand me," said Mrs. Bennet, alarmed. "Lizzy is only headstrong in such matters as these. In everything else she is as good-natured a girl as ever lived. I will go directly to Mr. Bennet, and we shall very soon settle it with her, I am sure." Me ha entendido mal ––dijo la señora Bennet alarmada––. Lizzy es terca sólo en estos asuntos. En todo lo demás es la muchacha más razonable del mundo. Acudiré directamente al señor Bennet y no dudo de que pronto nos habremos puesto de acuerdo con ella.
She would not give him time to reply, but hurrying instantly to her husband, called out as she entered the library, "Oh! Mr. Bennet, you are wanted immediately; we are all in an uproar. You must come and make Lizzy marry Mr. Collins, for she vows she will not have him, and if you do not make haste he will change his mind and not have her ." Sin darle tiempo a contestar, voló al encuentro de su marido y al entrar en la biblioteca exclamó: –¡Oh, señor Bennet! Te necesitamos urgentemente. Estamos en un aprieto. Es preciso que vayas y convenzas a Elizabeth de que se case con Collins, pues ella ha jurado que no lo hará y si no te das prisa, Collins cambiará de idea y ya no la querrá.
Mr. Bennet raised his eyes from his book as she entered, and fixed them on her face with a calm unconcern which was not in the least altered by her communication. Al entrar su mujer, el señor Bennet levantó los ojos del libro y los fijó en su rostro con una calmosa indiferencia que la noticia no alteró en absoluto.
"I have not the pleasure of understanding you," said he, when she had finished her speech. "Of what are you talking?" ––No he tenido el placer de entenderte ––dijo cuando ella terminó su perorata––.
"Of Mr. Collins and Lizzy. Lizzy declares she will not have Mr. Collins, and Mr. Collins begins to say that he will not have Lizzy." ¿De qué estás hablando? ––Del señor Collins y Lizzy. Lizzy dice que no se casará con el señor Collins, y el señor Collins empieza a decir que no se casará con Lizzy.
"And what am I to do on the occasion? It seems an hopeless business." ¿Y qué voy a hacer yo? Me parece que no tiene remedio.
"Speak to Lizzy about it yourself. Tell her that you insist upon her marrying him." Háblale tú a Lizzy. Dile que quieres que se case con él.
"Let her be called down. She shall hear my opinion." Mándale que baje. Oirá mi opinión.
Mrs. Bennet rang the bell, and Miss Elizabeth was summoned to the library. La señora Bennet tocó la campanilla y Elizabeth fue llamada a la biblioteca.
"Come here, child," cried her father as she appeared. "I have sent for you on an affair of importance. I understand that Mr. Collins has made you an offer of marriage. Is it true?" Elizabeth replied that it was. "Very well--and this offer of marriage you have refused?" Ven, hija mía ––dijo su padre en cuanto la joven entró––. Te he enviado a buscar para un asunto importante. Dicen que Collins te ha hecho proposiciones de matrimonio, ¿es cierto? Elizabeth dijo que sí. Muy bien; y dicen que las has rechazado.
"I have, sir." Así es, papá.
"Very well. We now come to the point. Your mother insists upon your accepting it. Is it not so, Mrs. Bennet?" Bien. Ahora vamos al grano. Tu madre desea que lo aceptes. ¿No es verdad, señora Bennet?
"Yes, or I will never see her again." Sí, o de lo contrario no la quiero ver más.
"An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do ." Tienes una triste alternativa ante ti, Elizabeth. Desde hoy en adelante tendrás que renunciar a uno de tus padres. Tu madre no quiere volver a verte si no te casas con Collins, y yo no quiero volver a verte si te casas con él.
Elizabeth could not but smile at such a conclusion of such a beginning, but Mrs. Bennet, who had persuaded herself that her husband regarded the affair as she wished, was excessively disappointed. Elizabeth no pudo menos que sonreír ante semejante comienzo; pero la señora Bennet, que estaba convencida de que su marido abogaría en favor de aquella boda, se quedó decepcionada.
"What do you mean, Mr. Bennet, in talking this way? You promised me to insist upon her marrying him." ¿Qué significa, señor Bennet, ese modo de hablar? Me habías prometido que la obligarías a casarse con el señor Collins.
"My dear," replied her husband, "I have two small favours to request. First, that you will allow me the free use of my understanding on the present occasion; and secondly, of my room. I shall be glad to have the library to myself as soon as may be." Querida mía ––contestó su marido––, tengo que pedirte dos pequeños favores: primero, que me dejes usar libremente mi entendimiento en este asunto, y segundo, que me dejes disfrutar solo de mi biblioteca en cuanto puedas.
Not yet, however, in spite of her disappointment in her husband, did Mrs. Bennet give up the point. She talked to Elizabeth again and again; coaxed and threatened her by turns. She endeavoured to secure Jane in her interest; but Jane, with all possible mildness, declined interfering; and Elizabeth, sometimes with real earnestness, and sometimes with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks. Though her manner varied, however, her determination never did. Sin embargo, la señora Bennet, a pesar de la decepción que se había llevado con su marido, ni aun así se dio por vencida. Habló a Elizabeth una y otra vez, halagándola y amenazándola alternativamente. Trató de que Jane se pusiese de su parte; pero Jane, con toda la suavidad posible, prefirió no meterse. Elizabeth, unas veces con verdadera seriedad, y otras en broma, replicó a sus ataques; y aunque cambió de humor, su determinación permaneció inquebrantable.
Mr. Collins, meanwhile, was meditating in solitude on what had passed. He thought too well of himself to comprehend on what motives his cousin could refuse him; and though his pride was hurt, he suffered in no other way. His regard for her was quite imaginary; and the possibility of her deserving her mother′s reproach prevented his feeling any regret. Collins, mientras tanto, meditaba en silencio todo lo que había pasado. Tenía demasiado buen concepto de sí mismo para comprender qué motivos podría tener su prima para rechazarle, y, aunque herido en su amor propio, no sufría lo más mínimo. Su interés por su prima era meramente imaginario; la posibilidad de que fuera merecedora de los reproches de su madre, evitaba que él sintiese algún pesar.
While the family were in this confusion, Charlotte Lucas came to spend the day with them. She was met in the vestibule by Lydia, who, flying to her, cried in a half whisper, "I am glad you are come, for there is such fun here! What do you think has happened this morning? Mr. Collins has made an offer to Lizzy, and she will not have him." Mientras reinaba en la familia esta confusión, llegó Charlotte Lucas que venía a pasar el día con ellos. Se encontró con Lydia en el vestíbulo, que corrió hacia ella para contarle en voz baja lo que estaba pasando. ¡Me alegro de que hayas venido, porque hay un jaleo aquí...! ¿Qué crees que ha pasado esta mañana? El señor Collins se ha declarado a Elizabeth y ella le ha dado calabazas.
Charlotte hardly had time to answer, before they were joined by Kitty, who came to tell the same news; and no sooner had they entered the breakfast-room, where Mrs. Bennet was alone, than she likewise began on the subject, calling on Miss Lucas for her compassion, and entreating her to persuade her friend Lizzy to comply with the wishes of all her family. "Pray do, my dear Miss Lucas," she added in a melancholy tone, "for nobody is on my side, nobody takes part with me. I am cruelly used, nobody feels for my poor nerves." Antes de que Charlotte hubiese tenido tiempo para contestar, apareció Kitty, que venía a darle la misma noticia. Y en cuanto entraron en el comedor, donde estaba sola la señora Bennet, ella también empezó a hablarle del tema. Le rogó que tuviese compasión y que intentase convencer a Lizzy de que cediese a los deseos de toda la familia. Te ruego que intercedas, querida Charlotte ––añadió en tono melancólico––, ya que nadie está de mi parte, me tratan cruelmente, nadie se compadece de mis pobres nervios.
Charlotte′s reply was spared by the entrance of Jane and Elizabeth. Charlotte se ahorró la respuesta, pues en ese momento entraron Jane y Elizabeth.
"Aye, there she comes," continued Mrs. Bennet, "looking as unconcerned as may be, and caring no more for us than if we were at York, provided she can have her own way. But I tell you, Miss Lizzy--if you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all--and I am sure I do not know who is to maintain you when your father is dead. I shall not be able to keep you--and so I warn you. I have done with you from this very day. I told you in the library, you know, that I should never speak to you again, and you will find me as good as my word. I have no pleasure in talking to undutiful children. Not that I have much pleasure, indeed, in talking to anybody. People who suffer as I do from nervous complaints can have no great inclination for talking. Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied." Ahí está ––continuó la señora Bennet––, como si no pasase nada, no le importamos un bledo, se desentiende de todo con tal de salirse con la suya. Te voy a decir una cosa: si se te mete en la cabeza seguir rechazando de esa manera todas las ofertas de matrimonio que te hagan, te quedarás solterona; y no sé quién te va a mantener cuando muera tu padre. Yo no podré, te lo advierto. Desde hoy, he acabado contigo para siempre. Te he dicho en la biblioteca que no volvería a hablarte nunca; y lo que digo, lo cumplo. No le encuentro el gusto a hablar con hijas desobedientes. Ni con nadie. Las personas que como yo sufrimos de los nervios, no somos aficionados a la charla. ¡Nadie sabe lo que sufro! Pero pasa siempre lo mismo. A los que no se quejan, nadie les compadece.
Her daughters listened in silence to this effusion, sensible that any attempt to reason with her or soothe her would only increase the irritation. She talked on, therefore, without interruption from any of them, till they were joined by Mr. Collins, who entered the room with an air more stately than usual, and on perceiving whom, she said to the girls, "Now, I do insist upon it, that you, all of you, hold your tongues, and let me and Mr. Collins have a little conversation together." Las hijas escucharon en silencio los lamentos de su madre. Sabían que si intentaban hacerla razonar o calmarla, sólo conseguirían irritarla más. De modo que siguió hablando sin que nadie la interrumpiera, hasta que entró Collins con aire más solemne que de costumbre. Al verle, la señora Bennet dijo a las muchachas: Ahora os pido que os calléis la boca y nos dejéis al señor Collins y a mí para que podamos hablar un rato.
Elizabeth passed quietly out of the room, Jane and Kitty followed, but Lydia stood her ground, determined to hear all she could; and Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose inquiries after herself and all her family were very minute, and then by a little curiosity, satisfied herself with walking to the window and pretending not to hear. In a doleful voice Mrs. Bennet began the projected conversation: "Oh! Mr. Collins!" Elizabeth salió en silencio del cuarto; Jane y Kitty la siguieron, pero Lydia no se movió, decidida a escuchar todo lo que pudiera. Charlotte, detenida por la cortesía del señor Collins, cuyas preguntas acerca de ella y de su familia se sucedían sin interrupción, y también un poco por la curiosidad, se limitó a acercarse a la ventana fingiendo no escuchar. Con voz triste, la señora Bennet empezó así su conversación: ¡Oh, señor Collins!
"My dear madam," replied he, "let us be for ever silent on this point. Far be it from me," he presently continued, in a voice that marked his displeasure, "to resent the behaviour of your daughter. Resignation to inevitable evils is the evil duty of us all; the peculiar duty of a young man who has been so fortunate as I have been in early preferment; and I trust I am resigned. Perhaps not the less so from feeling a doubt of my positive happiness had my fair cousin honoured me with her hand; for I have often observed that resignation is never so perfect as when the blessing denied begins to lose somewhat of its value in our estimation. You will not, I hope, consider me as showing any disrespect to your family, my dear madam, by thus withdrawing my pretensions to your daughter′s favour, without having paid yourself and Mr. Bennet the compliment of requesting you to interpose your authority in my behalf. My conduct may, I fear, be objectionable in having accepted my dismission from your daughter′s lips instead of your own. But we are all liable to error. I have certainly meant well through the whole affair. My object has been to secure an amiable companion for myself, with due consideration for the advantage of all your family, and if my manner has been at all reprehensible, I here beg leave to apologise." Mi querida señora ––respondió él––, ni una palabra más sobre este asunto. Estoy muy lejos ––continuó con un acento que denotaba su indignación–– de tener resentimientos por la actitud de su hija. Es deber de todos resignarse por los males inevitables; y es especialmente un deber para mí, que he tenido la fortuna de verme tan joven en tal elevada posición; confío en que sabré resignarme. Puede que mi hermosa prima, al no querer honrarme con su mano, no haya disminuido mi positiva felicidad. He observado a menudo que la resignación nunca es tan perfecta como cuando la dicha negada comienza a perder en nuestra estimación algo de valor. Espero que no supondrá usted que falto al respeto de su familia, mi querida señora, al retirar mis planes acerca de su hija sin pedirles a usted y al señor Bennet que interpongan su autoridad en mi favor. Temo que mi conducta, por haber aceptado mi rechazo de labios de su hija y no de los de ustedes, pueda ser censurable. Pero todos somos capaces de cometer errores. Estoy seguro de haber procedido con la mejor intención en este asunto. Mi objetivo era procurarme una amable compañera con la debida consideración a las ventajas que ello había de aportar a toda su familia. Si mi proceder ha sido reprochable, les ruego que me perdonen.