صفحة 173 من 817

The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to

every female of the family. Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as

given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and was particularly

flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself,

instead of a ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy

evening in the society of her two friends, and the attentions of

their brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a

great deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of

everything in Mr. Darcy's look and behaviour. The happiness

anticipated by Catherine and Lydia depended less on any single

event, or any particular person; for though they each, like

Elizabeth, meant to dance half the evening with Mr. Wickham, he

was by no means the only partner who could satisfy them, and a

ball was, at any rate, a ball. And even Mary could assure her

family that she had no disinclination for it.