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Chapter I.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in

possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.

However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be

on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well

fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is

considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their

daughters.

"My dear Mr. Bennet," said his lady to him one day, "have you

heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?"

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

"But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Long has just been here, and

she told me all about it."

Mr. Bennet made no answer.

"Do not you want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife,

impatiently.

"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

]

This was invitation enough.