{{prxprp004.jpg}} || 4 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

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 employed 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 ov/n. 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 2'

'To-morrow fortnight.'

'Aye, 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.'

4

 [[004]]