Chapter 2

" When is your next ball to be, Lizzy? "

" Tomorrow fortnight. "

" Aye, so it is, " cried her mother, " and Mrs. Long does not come back till the day before, so it 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 to HER. "

" Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I'm not acquainted with him myself. How can you be so teasing ? "

" I honour your circumspection. A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little. But if WE do not venture somebody else will; and after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand their chance; and, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself. "

The girls stared at their father.

Mrs. Bennet said only, " Nonsense, nonsense! "

" Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the stress that is laid on them, as nonsense? " cried he, " I cannot quite agree with you THERE. What say you, Mary? For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books. "

Mary wished to say something very sensible, but knew not how.