Chapter II.

Chapter I.

1. It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.

2. "My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

3. "Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"

4. … though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy."

5. "I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the others;

6. Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour, reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had been insufficient to make his wife understand his character.

7. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.

 

Chapter II.

1. Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley.

2. "I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy."

3. "We are not in a way to know WHAT Mr. Bingley likes," said her mother resentfully, "since we are not to visit."

4. But if WE do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance;

5. "I am sick of Mr. Bingley," cried his wife.

6. "I am sorry to hear THAT; but why did not you tell me that before? If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not have called on him. It is very unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now."

7. The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished;

8. Well, how pleased I am! and it is such a good joke, too, that you should have gone this morning and never said a word about it till now."

9. What an excellent father you have, girls!" said she, when the door was shut.

10.The rest of the evening was spent in conjecturing how soon he would return Mr. Bennet's visit, and determining when they should ask him to dinner.