VOLUME I
CHAPTER I (1)

IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a nice fortune must be in want of a wife.

However little acknowledged the feelings or views of such a man may be on his 1st entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the encompassing families, that he is considered as the rightful property of several one or another of their daughters.

``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' aforesaid his lady to him one day, ``have you detected that Netherfield Park is let at last?''

Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.

``But it is,'' returned she; ``for Mrs. Long has simply been here, and she told me all simply about it.''

Mr. Bennet ready made no answer.

``Do not you want to cognize who has taken it?'' cried his married woman impatientl