Mr. Bennet was among the earliest of those who waited on Mr. Bingley. He had alwaysintended to visit him, though to the last always assuring his wife that he should not go; andtill the evening after the visit was paid she had no knowledge of it.

It was then disclosed inthe following manner. Observing his second daughter employed in trimming a hat, hesuddenly addressed her with:"I hope Mr. Bingley will like it, Lizzy.""We are not in a way to know what Mr. Bingley likes," said her mother resentfully, "sincewe are not to visit.""But you forget, mamma," said Elizabeth, "that we shall meet him at the assemblies, andthat Mrs. Long promised to introduce him.""I do not believe Mrs. Long will do any such thing. She has two nieces of her own. She is aselfish, hypocritical woman, and I have no opinion of her.""No more have I," said Mr. Bennet; "and I am glad to find that you do not depend on herserving you."Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply, but, unable to contain herself, began scoldingone of her daughters."Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for Heaven's sake!

Have a little compassion on my nerves.You tear them to pieces.""Kitty has no discretion in her coughs," said her father; "she times them ill.""I do not cough for my own amusement," replied Kitty fretfully. "When is your next ballto be, Lizzy?""To-morrow fortnight.""Aye, so it is," cried her mother, "and Mrs. Long does not come back till the day before; soit will be impossible for her to introduce him, for she will not know him herself.""Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley toher.""Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself; how canyou be so teasing?"