— “When is your next ball to be, Lizzy?”
— “Tomorrow fortnight.”
— “Aye, so it is,” cried her mother, “and Mrs. Long does not come back till the day before.
So it will be impossible for her to introduce him, for she will not know him herself.”
— “Then, my dear, you may have the advantage of your friend, and introduce Mr. Bingley to her.”
— “Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with him myself.
How can you be so teazing?”
— “I honour your circumspection.
A fortnight's acquaintance is certainly very little.
One cannot know what a man really is by the end of a fortnight.
But if we do not venture somebody else will.
And after all, Mrs. Long and her nieces must stand their chance.
And, therefore, as she will think it an act of kindness, if you decline the office, I will take it on myself.”