The girls stared at their father. Mrs. Bennet said only,
— “Nonsense, nonsense!”
— “What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?” cried he.
“Do you consider the forms of introduction, and the stress that is laid on them, as nonsense?
I cannot quite agree with you there.
What say you, Mary?
For you are a young lady of deep reflection, I know, and read great books and make extracts.”
Mary wished to say something sensible, but knew not how.
— “While Mary is adjusting her ideas,” he continued, “let us return to Mr. Bingley.”
— “I am sick of Mr. Bingley,” cried his wife.
— “I am sorry to hear that. But why did not you tell me that before?
If I had known as much this morning I certainly would not have called on him.
It is very unlucky.
But as I have actually paid the visit, we cannot escape the acquaintance now.”