진실의 밝혀짐（真相大白）

오만과 편견 - 제7장

Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 7

롱본의 재산을 상속받기로 되어 있는 사촌 콜린스 씨가 방문한다. 그는 거만하고 비굴한 남자로, 후원자인 레이디 캐서린 드 버그를 숭배하는 목사다.

Mr. Collins, a distant cousin of Mr. Bennet, was the heir to the Bennet estate. He was a clergyman, employed by Lady Catherine de Bourgh, a wealthy and aristocratic lady.

그는 상속의 불공정을 "바로잡기" 위해 베넷 가의 딸 중 한 명과 결혼할 생각이다. 처음에는 제인에게 눈독을 들이지만, 베넷 부인에게 그녀가 곧 약혼할 것 같다는 말을 듣는다. 그러자 그는 엘리자베스로 목표를 바꾼다.

When Mr. Bennet received a letter from Mr. Collins announcing his intention to visit, Mrs. Bennet was delighted. She hoped that Mr. Collins might marry one of her daughters, which would provide for their future.

"He is a clergyman," she told her husband excitedly. "That is a respectable profession. And he will inherit this estate when you die. It would be perfect if he married one of our girls!"

Mr. Bennet was amused by his wife's excitement. "We shall see what kind of man he is," he said.

Mr. Collins arrived a few days later. He was a tall, heavy-looking young man, with a formal manner and a tendency to speak in long, complicated sentences.

He was full of praise for Lady Catherine and her estate, Rosings Park. He spoke of her wealth and her generosity, and he seemed to consider himself very important by association.

"Lady Catherine is the most benevolent of women," he told the Bennets. "She has shown me great kindness and consideration. I am truly grateful to be in her service."

Elizabeth found Mr. Collins ridiculous. He was obviously trying to flatter Lady Catherine and gain her favor. But she said nothing, observing him with amusement.

When Mr. Collins asked which of the Bennet sisters he might address as his future wife, Mrs. Bennet immediately suggested Jane.

"Jane is the eldest," she said. "And the most beautiful. Any man would be fortunate to marry her."

But Mr. Collins was informed that Jane was likely to be engaged to Mr. Bingley, so he turned his attention to Elizabeth.

Elizabeth, however, had no intention of marrying Mr. Collins. She found him tedious and pompous, and she could not imagine spending her life with such a man.

But Mrs. Bennet was determined that Elizabeth should accept him, and she began to put pressure on her daughter.