My dear Mr. Bennet, did not you hear me? Did you know that Netherfield Park is let at last?

Mr. Bennet.

[Continues reading and does not answer.]

Mrs. Bennet.

[Impatiently.] Do not you want to know who has taken it?

Mr. Bennet.

[Ceases reading and looks up at her with an amused smile.] You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.

Mrs. Bennet.

[With animation.] Why, my dear, you must know Lady Lucas says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the North of England. His name is Bingley, and he is single, my dear. Think of that, Mr. Bennet! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand pounds a year. What a fine thing for our girls!

Mr. Bennet.