Chapter 1 2
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 .
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 some one or other of their daughters .
" My dear Mr . Bennet ," said his lady to him one day , " have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last ?"
Mr . Bennet replied that he had not .
" But it is ," returned she ; " for Mrs . Long has just been here , and she told me all about it ."
Mr . Bennet made no answer . " Do you not want to know who has taken it ?" cried his wife impatiently . " You want to tell me , and I have no objection to hearing it ." 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 ."
" What is his name ?" " Bingley ."