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"That is exactly the question which I expected you to ask. A

lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to

love, from love to matrimony, in a moment. I knew you would be

wishing me joy."

"Nay, if you are so serious about it, I shall consider the matter

as absolutely settled. You will have a charming mother-in-law,

indeed, and of course she will be always at Pemberley with you."

He listened to her with perfect indifference, while she chose to

entertain herself in this manner; and as his composure convinced

her that all was safe, her wit flowed along.

]

CHAPTER VII.

Mr. Bennet's property consisted almost entirely in an estate of

two thousand a year, which, unfortunately for his daughters, was

entailed, in default of heirs male, on a distant relation; and

their mother's fortune, though ample for her situation in life,

could but ill supply the deficiency of his. Her father had been

an attorney in Meryton, and had left her four thousand pounds.