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His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an

attention would be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his

returning to Netherfield.

"'Tis an etiquette I despise," said he. "If he wants our society,

let him seek it. He knows where we live. I will not spend my

hours in running after my neighbours every time they go away and

come back again."

"Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do

not wait on him. But, however, that shan't prevent my asking him

to dine here, I am determined. We must have Mrs. Long and the

Gouldings soon. That will make thirteen with ourselves, so there

will be just room at table for him."

Consoled by this resolution, she was the better able to bear her

husband's incivility; though it was very mortifying to know that

her neighbours might all see Mr. Bingley, in consequence of it,

before they did. As the day of his arrival drew near,--