Pride and Prejudice Chapter 2

Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply, but, unable to contain herself, began scolding one of her daughters.

She is a selfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her."

"I do not know how you will ever make him amends for his kindness; or me, either, for that matter.

"But you forget, mamma," said Elizabeth, "that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long promised to introduce him."

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while.

"I do not know how you will ever make him amends for his kindness; or me, either, for that matter.

"While Mary is adjusting her ideas," he continued, "let us return to 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.

"What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?" cried he.

It was then disclosed in the following manner.

"Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose," said Mr. Bennet; and, as he spoke, he left the room, fatigued with the raptures of his wife.

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.

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while.

For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts."

"Kitty has no discretion in her coughs," said her father; "she times them ill."

Have a little compassion on my nerves.

"Now, Kitty, you may cough as much as you choose," said Mr. Bennet; and, as he spoke, he left the room, fatigued with the raptures of his wife.

But I knew I should persuade you at last.

Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with:

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

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.

But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself."

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.

For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts."

"No more have I," said Mr. Bennet; "and I am glad to find that you do not depend on her serving you."

The astonishment of the ladies was just what he wished; that of Mrs. Bennet perhaps surpassing the rest; though, when the first tumult of joy was over, she began to declare that it was what she had expected all the while.

Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply, but, unable to contain herself, began scolding one of her daughters.

But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself."

Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, he suddenly addressed her with:

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

"But you forget, mamma," said Elizabeth, "that we shall meet him at the assemblies, and that Mrs. Long promised to introduce him."

"Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her."

"Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the stress that is laid on them, as nonsense?

But if we do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her daughters must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself."