Lucas had been formerly in trade in Meryton, where he had made a tolerable fortune, and risen to the honour of

from that period Lucas Lodge, where he could think with pleasure of his own importance, and, unshackled by business, occupy himself solely in being civil to all the world. For, though elated by hi

hbour to Mrs. Bennet. They had several children. The eldest of them, a sensibl

er a ball was absolutely necessary; and the morning after the ass

Mrs. Bennet with civil self-command to Miss

emed to like hi

e that did seem as if he admired her-indeed I rather believe he did-I hear

eryton assemblies, and whether he did not think there were a great many pretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest? and

d indeed-that does seem as if-but, howev

said Charlotte. "Mr. Darcy is not so well worth listening to

uch a disagreeable man, that it would be quite a misfortune to be liked by him. Mrs. Long t

re a little mistake?" said Jane. "I ce

therfield, and he could not help answering her; bu

er speaks much, unless among his intimate acqua

s. Long. But I can guess how it was; everybody says that he is eat up with pride, and I dare say he h

Mrs. Long," said Miss Lucas, "bu

her mother, "I would not dan

y safely promise you ne

excuse for it. One cannot wonder that so very fine a young man, with family, fortune, everything

th, "and I could easily forgive his

man nature is particularly prone to it, and that there are very few of us who do not cherish a feeling of self-complacency on the score of some quality or other, real or imaginary. Vanity and pride are

e with his sisters, "I should not care how proud I was. I woul

ought," said Mrs. Bennet; "and if I were to see y

e continued to declare that she would, an