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eating a family dinner with them at any time, without the

ceremony of a formal invitation. Bingley was all grateful

pleasure; and he readily engaged for taking the earliest

opportunity of waiting on her, after his return from London,

whither he was obliged to go the next day for a short time.

Mrs. Bennet was perfectly satisfied; and quitted the house

under the delightful persuasion that, allowing for the neces-

sary preparations of settlements, new carriages, and wedding

clothes, she should undoubtedly see her daughter settled at

Netherfield in the course of three or four months. Of having

another daughter married to Mr. Collins she thought with

equal certainty, and with considerable, though not equal,

pleasure. Elizabeth was the least dear to her of all her

children; and though the man and the match were quite good

enough for _her,_ the worth of each was eclipsed by Mr. Bing-

ley and Netherfield.

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