Chapter 2 8
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 .
" How good it was in you , my dear Mr . Bennet ! But I knew I should persuade you at last . I was sure you loved your girls too well to neglect such an acquaintance . 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 ."
" 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 .
" What an excellent father you have , girls !" said she , when the door was shut . " I do not know how you will ever make him amends for his kindness ; or me , either , for that matter . At our time of life it is not so pleasant , I can tell you , to be making new acquaintances every day ; but for your sakes , we would do anything . Lydia , my love , though you are the youngest , I dare say Mr . Bingley will dance with you at the next ball ."
" Oh !" said Lydia stoutly , " I am not afraid ; for though I am the youngest , I ' m the tallest ."
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 .