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Mr. Collins's return into Hertfordshire was no longer a matter of

pleasure to Mrs. Bennet. On the contrary, she was as much

disposed to complain of it as her husband. It was very strange

that he should come to Longbourn instead of to Lucas Lodge; it

was also very inconvenient and exceedingly troublesome. She hated

having visitors in the house while her health was so indifferent,

and lovers were of all people the most disagreeable. Such were

the gentle murmurs of Mrs. Bennet, and they gave way only to the

greater distress of Mr. Bingley's continued absence.

Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were comfortable on this subject. Day

after day passed away without bringing any other tidings of him

than the report which shortly prevailed in Meryton of his coming

no more to Netherfield the whole winter; a report which highly

incensed Mrs. Bennet, and which she never failed to contradict as

a most scandalous falsehood.