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Pride & Prejudice – page 17

Pride and Prejudice

“I am sick of Mr. Bingley,” cried his wife.

“I am sorry to hear that; but why did not you tell

me that before? If I had known as much this morning

I certainly would not have called on him. It is very

unlucky; but as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot

escape the acquaintance now.”

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,

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