Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 1

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

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

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

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful property of someone or other of their daughters.

This was invitation enough.

"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it, that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

How can it affect them?"

"Is that his design in settling here?"

"I see no occasion for that.

I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now.

I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now.

I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now.

"It is more than I engage for, I assure you."

"It is more than I engage for, I assure you."

"But consider your daughters.

Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them.

Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers.

Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers.

Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers.

"You are over-scrupulous, surely.

I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy."

I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy."

"I desire you will do no such thing.

But you are always giving her the preference."

"They have none of them much to recommend them," replied he; "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters."

"They have none of them much to recommend them," replied he; "they are all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of quickness than her sisters."

"Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way?

You take delight in vexing me.

You take delight in vexing me.

You have no compassion for my poor nerves."

"You mistake me, my dear.

I have a high respect for your nerves.

I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least."

I have heard you mention them with consideration these last twenty years at least."

"Ah, you do not know what I suffer."

"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twenty, I will visit them all."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her mind was less difficult to develop.

Her mind was less difficult to develop.

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.

She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper.

When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous.

When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous.

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