{{prhprp218.jpg}}

Chapter XIII

'I hope, my dear,' said Mr. Bennet to his wife, as they

were at breakfast the next morning, 'that you have

ordered a good dinner to-day, because I have reason to

expect an addition to our family party.'

'Who do you mean, my dear? I know of nobody that is

coming, I am sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to

call in; and I hope _my_ dinners are good enough for her. I

do not believe she often sees such at home.'

'The person of whom I speak is a gentleman and a

stranger.' Mrs. Bennet's eyes sparkled. 'A gentleman and

a stranger! It is Mr. Bingley, I am sure. Why, Jane -- you

never dropped a word of this -- you sly thing! Well, I am

sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr. Bingley. But -- good

Lord! how unlucky! there is not a bit of fish to be got to-day.

Lydia, my love, ring the bell. I must speak to Hill this

moment.'

'It is _not_ Mr. Bingley,' said her husband; 'it is a person

whom I never saw in the whole course of my life.'

This roused a general astonishment; and he had the

pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and five

daughters at once.

After amusing himself some time with their curiosity, he

thus explained:-- 'About a month ago I received this letter,

and about a fortnight ago I answered it; for I thought it a

case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention. It is

from my cousin, Mr. Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn

you all out of this house as soon as he pleases.'

'Oh, my dear,' cried his wife, 'I cannot bear to hear that

mentioned. Pray do not talk of that odious man. I do think

it is the hardest thing in the world that your estate should be

entailed away from your own children; and I am sure, if I

had been you, I should have tried long ago to do something

or other about it.'

 [218]