Page 493 of 817

Had Elizabeth's opinion been all drawn from her own family, she

could not have formed a very pleasing picture of conjugal

felicity or domestic comfort. Her father, captivated by youth and

beauty, and that appearance of good-humour which youth and beauty

generally give, had married a woman whose weak understanding and

illiberal mind had very early in their marriage put an end to all

real affection for her. Respect, esteem, and confidence had

vanished for ever; and all his views of domestic happiness were

overthrown. But Mr. Bennet was not of a disposition to seek

comfort for the disappointment which his own imprudence had

brought on in any of those pleasures which too often console the

unfortunate for their folly or their vice. He was fond of the

country and of books; and from these tastes had arisen his

principal enjoyments. To his wife he was very little otherwise

indebted than as her ignorance and folly had contributed to his

amusement.