Page 7 of 817

Mrs. Bennet deigned not to make any reply; but, unable to contain

herself, began scolding one of her daughters.

"Don't keep coughing so, Kitty, for heaven's sake! Have a little

compassion on my nerves. You tear them to pieces."

"Kitty has no discretion in her coughs," said her father; "she

times them ill."

"I do not cough for my own amusement," replied Kitty, fretfully.

"When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?"

"To-morrow fortnight."

"Ay, so it is," cried her mother, "and Mrs. Long does not come

back till the day before; so, it will be impossible for her to

introduce him, for she will not know him herself."

"Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and

introduce Mr. Bingley to her."

"Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted

with him myself; how can you be so teasing?"