كبرياء وهوى

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 is known of the feelings of such a man when he first comes into a neighbourhood, this truth is firmly fixed in the minds of the families around him. He is thought of as the rightful property of 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," she went on, "for Mrs Long has just been here, and she told me all about it."

Mr Bennet made no answer.

"Do you not 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.