Part 8 (1/2)

DARCY.

And that they have another in London who lives somewhere near Cheapside.

BINGLEY.

[_With irritation._] If they had uncles enough to fill all Cheapside, it wouldn't make them one jot less handsome.

DARCY.

But it must materially lessen their chances of marrying men of any consideration in the world.

BINGLEY.

Of marrying? You go fast, Darcy.

DARCY.

Perhaps. But I am in no humour to give consequence to young ladies. I am here to please you, Bingley--and--[_He smiles meaningly._] knowing your disposition, I think it is just as well that I came.

[BINGLEY _is about to reply when the door opens and_ MRS. BENNET _enters, followed by_ JANE _and_ ELIZABETH. _The two young men make ceremonious bows._ MRS. BENNET _curtsies and then advances with delighted fussiness_.]

MRS. BENNET.

Good morning, gentlemen. I am so sorry that Mr. Bennet has gone for his walk.

[_As she looks a little puzzled from one to the other_, BINGLEY _advances_.]

BINGLEY.

Good morning, Mrs. Bennet. I am Mr. Bingley, your new neighbour at Netherfield. This is my friend, Mr. Darcy, of Pendleton, Derbys.h.i.+re.

[_All bow and curtsy._] Mr. Bennet has been so kind as to call upon us, and we are most happy to have the honour of waiting upon the ladies of his family.

MRS. BENNET.

We are delighted to see you, I am sure! Mr. Bingley--Mr.

Darcy--[_Indicating_ JANE]--my eldest daughter, Miss Bennet.

[_Indicating_ ELIZABETH]--Miss Elizabeth Bennet.

[_The girls make low curtsies--the gentlemen bow._]

Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [_The guests and ladies seat themselves._] I am sure you must like Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease.