Пропустити текст статті
Chapter I . IT is a truth universally acknowledged , that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife . However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood , this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families , that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters . “ My dear Mr . Bennet , ” said his lady to him one day , “ have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last ? ” Mr . Bennet replied that he had not . “ But it is , ” returned she ; “ for Mrs . Long has just been here , and she told me all about it . ” Mr . Bennet made no answer . “ Do not you want to know who has taken it ? ” cried his wife , impatiently . “ You want to tell me , and I have no objection to hearing it . ” This was invitation enough . “ Why , my dear , you must know , Mrs . Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England ; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place , and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr . Morris immediately ; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas , and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week . ” “ What is his name ? ” “ Bingley . ” “ Is he married or single ? ” “ Oh , single , my dear , to be sure ! A single man of large fortune ; four or five thousand a year . What a fine thing for our girls ! ” “ How so ? how can it affect them ? ” “ My dear Mr . Bennet , ” replied his wife , “ how can you be so tiresome ? You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them . ” “ Is that his design in settling here ? ” “ Design ? Nonsense , how can you talk so ! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them , and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes . ” “ I see no occasion for that . You and the girls may go — or you may send them by themselves , which perhaps will be still better ; for as you are as handsome as any of them , Mr . Bingley might like you the best of the party . ” “ My dear , you flatter me . I certainly have had my share of beauty , but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now . When a woman has five grown - up daughters , she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty . ” “ In such cases , a woman has not often much beauty to think of . ” “ But , my dear , you must indeed go and see Mr . Bingley when he comes into the neighbourhood . ” “ It is more than I engage for , I assure you . ” “ But consider your daughters . Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them . Sir William and Lady Lucas are determined to go , merely on that account ; for in general , you know , they visit no new comers . Indeed you must go , for it will be impossible for us to visit him , if you do not . ”
Назад Сторінка 1 з 243 Сторінка 1 з 243 Вперед Читайте далі з перекладом Створіть безкоштовний акаунт: 7 днів Pro, далі 20 перекладів слів на день або платний тариф.
