may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as

soon as he comes.”
“I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go—or you may send

them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better; for as you are

as handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley might like you the best of the

party.”
“My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but

I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now. When a woman has five

grown-up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty.”
“In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of.”
“But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Bingley when he comes into

the neighbourhood.”
“It is more than I engage for, I assure you.”
“But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would

be for one of them. Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go,

merely on that account; for in general, you know, they visit no new{4}

comers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit

him, if you do not.”
“You are over scrupulous, surely. I dare say Mr. Bingley will be very

glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my

hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls—though

I must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.”
“I desire you will do no such thing. Lizzy is not a bit better than the

others: and I am sure she is not half so handsome as Jane, nor half so

good-humoured as Lydia. But you are always giving her the preference.”
“They have none of them much to recommend them,” replied he: “they are

all silly and ignorant like other girls; but Lizzy has something more of

quickness than her sisters.”
“Mr. Bennet, how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take

delight in vexing me. You have no compassion on my poor nerves.”
“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They

are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration