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"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is

taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England;

that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the

place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr.

Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before

Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by

the end of next week."

"What is his name?"

"Bingley."

"Is he married or single?"

"Oh, single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune;

four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!"

"How so? how can it affect them?"

"My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so

tiresome? You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of

them."

"Is that his design in settling here?"

"Design? Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely

that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must

visit him as soon as he comes."