{{prhprp203.jpg}}

graciousness, but Mrs. Bennet was satisfied, and soon after-

wards ordered her carriage. Upon this signal, the youngest

of her daughters put herself forward. The two girls had

been whispering to each other during the whole visit; and

the result of it was, that the youngest should tax Mr. Bingley

with having promised on his first coming into the country

to give a ball at Netherfield.

Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, with a fine

complexion and good-humoured countenance; a favourite

with her mother, whose affection had brought her into public

at an early age. She had high animal spirits, and a sort of

natural self-consequence, which the attentions of the officers,

to whom her uncle's good dinners and her own easy manners

recommended her, had increased into assurance. She was

very equal, therefore, to address Mr. Bingley on the subject

of the ball, and abruptly reminded him of his promise; adding,

that it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he

did not keep it. His answer to this sudden attack was

delightful to her mother's ear.

'I am perfectly ready, I assure you, to keep my engage-

ment; and, when your sister is recovered, you shall, if you

please, name the very day of the ball. But you would not

wish to be dancing while she is ill?'

Lydia declared herself satisfied. 'Oh yes -- it would be

much better to wait till Jane was well; and by that time,

most likely, Captain Carter would be at Meryton again. And

when you have given _your_ ball,' she added, 'I shall insist on

their giving one also. I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be

quite a shame if he does not.'

Mrs. Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Eliza-

beth returned instantly to Jane, leaving her own and her

relations' behaviour to the remarks of the two ladies and

Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however, could not be pre-

vailed on to join in their censure of her, in spite of all Miss

Bingley's witticisms on _fine_ _eyes._

 [203]