Chapter 13.
"I hope, my dear," said Mr.Bennet to his wife, as they were at breakfast the next morning, "that you have ordered a good dinner to-day, because I have reason to expect an addition to our family party." "Who do you mean, my dear?
I know of nobody that is coming, I am sure, unless Charlotte Lucas should happen to call in--and I hope _my_ dinners are good enough for her.

I do not believe she often sees such at home." "The person of whom I speak is a gentleman, and a stranger." Mrs.Bennet's eyes sparkled.

"A gentleman and a stranger! It is Mr.
Bingley, I am sure! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr.
Bingley.

But--good Lord! how unlucky! There is not a bit of fish to be got to-day.

Lydia, my love, ring the bell--I must speak to Hill this moment." "It is _not_ Mr.Bingley," said her husband; "it is a person whom I never saw in the whole course of my life." This roused a general astonishment; and he had the pleasure of being eagerly questioned by his wife and his five daughters at once.
After amusing himself some time with their curiosity, he thus explained: "About a month ago I received this letter; and about a fortnight ago I answered it, for I thought it a case of some delicacy, and requiring early attention.