Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 369 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 369

Pride and Prejudice

made the men suspect something, and then they soon

found out what was the matter.”

With such kinds of histories of their parties and

good jokes, did Lydia, assisted by Kitty’s hints and

additions, endeavour to amuse her companions all the

way to Longbourn. Elizabeth listened as little as she

could, but there was no escaping the frequent mention

of Wickham’s name.

Their reception at home was most kind. Mrs. Bennet

rejoiced to see Jane in undiminished beauty; and more

than once during dinner did Mr. Bennet say voluntarily

to Elizabeth:

“I am glad you are come back, Lizzy.”

Their party in the dining-room was large, for almost

all the Lucases came to meet Maria and hear the news;

and various were the subjects that occupied them: Lady

Lucas was inquiring of Maria, across the table, after the

welfare and poultry of her eldest daughter; Mrs. Bennet

was doubly engaged, on one hand collecting an account

of the present fashions from Jane, who sat some way

below her, and, on the other, retailing them all to the

younger Lucases; and Lydia, in a voice rather louder

than any other person’s, was enumerating the various

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