<p>VOLUME I<br />CHAPTER I (1)</p> <p>IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>``My dear Mr. Bennet,'' said his lady to him one day, ``have you heard that Netherfield Park is let at last?''</p> <p>Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.</p> <p>``But it is,'' returned she; ``for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.''</p> <p>Mr. Bennet made no answer.</p> <p>``Do not you want to know who has taken it?'' cried his wife impatiently.</p> <p>``_You_ want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.''</p> <p>This was invitation enough.</p> <p>``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.''</p> <p>``What is his name?''</p> <p>``Bingley.''</p> <p>``Is he married or single?''</p> <p>``Oh! single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or