chapter 1 of pride and prejudice

PandP_ch1.txt

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+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."
+
+"Is he married or single?"
+
+"Oh!  Single, my dear, to be sure!  A single man of large
+fortune; four or five thousand a year.  What a fine thing for our
+girls!"
+
+"How so?  How can it affect them?"
+
+"My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so
+tiresome!  You must know that I am thinking of his marrying
+one of them."
+
+"Is that his design in settling here?"
+
+"Design!  Nonsense, how can you talk so!  But it is very likely
+that he _may_ fall in love with one of them, and therefore you
+must visit him as soon as he comes."
+
+"I see no occasion for that.  You and the girls may go, or you
+may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still
+better, for as you are as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley
+may like you the best of the party."
+
+"My dear, you flatter me.  I certainly _have_ had my share of
+beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now.
+When a woman has five grown-up daughters, she ought to give
+over thinking of her own beauty."
+
+"In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of."
+
+"But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when
+he comes into the neighbourhood."
+
+"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.  Indeed you must go, for it will
+be impossible for _us_ to visit him if you do not."
+
+"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 desire you will do no such thing.  Lizzy is not a bit better
+than the others; and I am sure she is not half so handsome as
+Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Lydia.  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."
+
+"Mr. Bennet, how _can_ you abuse your own children in such a
+way?  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.  They are my old friends.  I have heard you mention
+them with consideration these last twenty years at least."
+
+Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour,
+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.  She was a
+woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain
+temper.  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.