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If there had not been a Netherfield ball to prepare for and talk

of, the younger Miss Bennets would have been in a pitiable state

at this time; for, from the day of the invitation to the day of

the ball, there was such a succession of rain as prevented their

walking to Meryton once. No aunt, no officers, no news could be

sought after; the very shoe-roses for Netherfield were got by

proxy. Even Elizabeth might have found some trial of her patience

in weather which totally suspended the improvement of her

acquaintance with Mr. Wickham; and nothing less than a dance on

Tuesday could have made such a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and

Monday endurable to Kitty and Lydia.

CHAPTER XVIII.