Chapter 2 6
Chapter 2
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 promised to introduce him ."
" I do not believe Mrs . Long will do any such thing . She has two nieces of her own . 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 ?"
" To-morrow fortnight ."