[The girls make low curtsies—the gentlemen bow.]
Will not you be seated, gentlemen? [The guests and ladies seat themselves.] I am sure you must like Netherfield, Mr. Bingley. I do not know a place in the country that is equal to Netherfield. You will not think of quitting it in a hurry, I hope, though you have but a short lease.
Bingley.
Whatever I do is done in a hurry, Mrs. Bennet, and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield I should probably be off in five minutes. At present, however, [looking intently at Jane] I consider myself as quite fixed here.
Jane.
It is very pleasant to have Netherfield open once more, although you must both miss London. There is so much gaiety in London.
Darcy.
Yes, in a country neighbourhood you move in a confined and unvarying society.
[Mrs. Bennet looks vexed at this speech.]
Elizabeth.