Mrs. Bennet.
[Looking after them.] Well, Lady Lucas, it is hard for a lively young girl like my Lydia to be cooped up in a place where there is so little going on. However, [Looking at Bingley and Jane.] we are not likely to have it so very dull in the future. [In a loud whisper to Lady Lucas.] You know what I mean—[Nudging her and laughing.] Jane and Bingley!
Lady Lucas.
Ah! Indeed!
Mrs. Bennet.
[With importance and in a still louder tone.] Oh, yes! It's quite settled. Such a charming young man—and Netherfield only three miles from Longbourn! And Jane's marrying will be a fine thing for my other girls. They will be sure to meet other rich men who will fall in love with them.
Elizabeth.
[Who has heard the beginning of this conversation, makes a pretext to go to arrange her mother's scarf and says in low tones.] Oh, mamma! Be careful, I beg. Mr. Darcy can hear you!
Mrs. Bennet.
What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I am sure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to say nothing he may not like to hear!