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Chapter II

Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who

waited on Mr. Bingley. He had always intended to

visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife

that he should not go; and till the evening after the visit was

paid she had no knowledge of it. It was then disclosed in

the following manner. Observing his second daughter em-

ployed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with,--

'I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.'

'We are not in a way to know _what_ Mr. Bingley likes,'

said her mother, resentfully, 'since we are not to visit.'

'But you forget, mamma,' said Elizabeth, 'that we shall

meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long has promised

to introduce him.'

'I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She

has two nieces of her own. She is a selfish, hypocritical

woman, and I have no opinion of her.'

'No more have I,' said Mr. Bennet; 'and I am glad to find

that you do not depend on her serving you.'

Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply; but, unable

to contain herself, began scolding one of her daughters.

'Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for heaven's sake! Have

a little compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces.'

'Kitty has no discretion in her coughs,' said her father;

'she times them ill.'

'I do not cough for my own amusement,' replied Kitty,

fretfully. 'When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?'

'To-morrow fortnight.'

'Ay, so it is,' cried her mother, 'and Mrs. Long does not

come back till the day before; so, it will be impossible for

her to introduce him, for she will not know him herself.'

'Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your

friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to _her?'_

'Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not ac-

quainted with him myself; how can you be so teasing?'

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