Pride And Prejudice· Chapter 20

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 steps pass her towards the staircase, than she entered the breakfast-room, and congratulated both him and herself in warm terms on the happy prospect of their nearer connection.

dawdle: to do something or go somewhere very slowly, taking more time than is necessary

vestibule: a small room just inside the outer door of a public building where you can leave your coat, etc.

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.

felicitate: to offer congratulations to

steadfast: saying the same for a long time and not changing quickly or unexpectedly

bashful: often feeling uncomfortable with other people and easily embarrassed

headstrong: very determined to do what you want without listening to others

eg. She is a very headstrong, foolish girl, and does not know her own interests.

uproar: a situation in which a lot of people complain about something angrily or make a lot of noise

eg. We are all in an uproar.

coax: to persuade someone gently to do something or go somewhere, by being kind and patient, or by appearing to be

eg. She talked to Elizabeth again and angain; coaxed and threatened her by turns.

mildness: the quality of not being violent, severe, or extreme

eg. She endeavoured to secure Jane in her interest, but Jane, with all possible mildness, declined interfering.

gaiety: happiness and excitement

eg. And Elizabeth sometimes with real earnestness, and sometimes with playful gaiety, replied to her attacks. 

You will find me as good as my word.

minute: extremely small

eg. And Charlotte, detained first by the civility of Mr. Collins, whose enquiries 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.

doleful: very sad

eg. In a doleful voice Mrs. Bennet thus began the projected conversation.

（科林斯真的是我最讨厌的一个角色之一，说话文邹邹又冗长，说一堆没屁用的废话我还要耐着性子看查单词，真的切身体会到听他发言的Mr. Bennet和Elizabeth的感受了。极端普信，而且一副我跟你求婚是对你施恩的态度，有科林斯珠玉在前，难怪后面达西跟小丽第一次求婚小丽气成那样）