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The evening altogether passed off pleasantly to the whole family.

Mrs. Bennet had seen her eldest daughter much admired by the

Netherfield party. Mr. Bingley had danced with her twice, and she

had been distinguished by his sisters. Jane was as much gratified

by this as her mother could be, though in a quieter way.

Elizabeth felt Jane's pleasure. Mary had heard herself mentioned

to Miss Bingley as the most accomplished girl in the

neighbourhood; and Catherine and Lydia had been fortunate enough

to be never without partners, which was all that they had yet

learnt to care for at a ball. They returned, therefore, in good

spirits to Longbourn, the village where they lived, and of which

they were the principal inhabitants. They found Mr. Bennet still

up. With a book, he was regardless of time; and on the present

occasion he had a good deal of curiosity as to the event of an

evening which had raised such splendid expectations.