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"What an excellent father you have, girls," said she, when the

door was shut. "I do not know how you will ever make him amends

for his kindness; or me either, for that matter. At our time of

life, it is not so pleasant, I can tell you, to be making new

acquaintances every day; but for your sakes we would do anything.

Lydia, my love, though you are the youngest, I dare say Mr.

Bingley will dance with you at the next ball."

"Oh," said Lydia, stoutly, "I am not afraid; for though I am the

youngest, I'm the tallest."

The rest of the evening was spent in conjecturing how soon he

would return Mr. Bennet's visit, and determining when they should

ask him to dinner.

CHAPTER III.