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She performed her part , indeed , without much graciousness , but Mrs . Bennet was satisfied , and soon afterwards ordered her carriage . Upon this signal , the youngest of her daughters put herself forward . The two girls had been whispering to each other during the whole visit ; and the result of it was , that the youngest should tax Mr . Bingley with having promised on his first coming into the country to give a ball at Netherfield . Lydia was a stout , well - grown girl of fifteen , with a fine complexion and good - humoured countenance ; a favourite with her mother , whose affection had brought her into public at an early age . She had high animal spirits , and a sort of natural self - consequence , which the attentions of the officers , to whom her uncle’s good dinners and her own easy manners recommended her , had increased into assurance . She was very equal , therefore , to address Mr . Bingley on the subject of the ball , and abruptly reminded him of his promise ; adding , that it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep it . His answer to this sudden attack was delightful to her mother’s ear . “ I am perfectly ready , I assure you , to keep my engagement ; and , when your sister is recovered , you shall , if you please , name the very day of the ball . But you would not wish to be dancing while she is ill ? ” Lydia declared herself satisfied . “ Oh yes — it would be much better to wait till Jane was well ; and by that time , most likely , Captain Carter would be at Meryton again . And when you have given your ball , ” she added , “ I shall insist on their giving one also . I shall tell Colonel Forster it will be quite a shame if he does not . ” Mrs . Bennet and her daughters then departed , and Elizabeth returned instantly to Jane , leaving her own and her relations ’ behaviour to the remarks of the two ladies and Mr . Darcy ; the latter of whom , however , could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of her , in spite of all Miss Bingley’s witticisms on fine eyes . CHAPTER X . THE day passed much as the day before had done . Mrs . Hurst and Miss Bingley had spent some hours of the morning with the invalid , who continued , though slowly , to mend ; and , in the evening , Elizabeth joined their party in the drawing - room . The loo table , however , did not appear . Mr . Darcy was writing , and Miss Bingley , seated near him , was watching the progress of his letter , and repeatedly calling off his attention by messages to his sister . Mr . Hurst and Mr . Bingley were at piquet , and Mrs . Hurst was observing their game . Elizabeth took up some needlework , and was sufficiently amused in attending to what passed between Darcy and his companion . The perpetual commendations of the lady either on his hand - writing , or on the evenness of his lines , or on the length of his letter , with the perfect unconcern with which her praises were received , formed a curious dialogue , and was exactly in unison with her opinion of each .
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