The drawing-room at Longbourn. At the back, wide glass doors open upon a terrace which overlooks an English landscape. It is winter, and coals are burning in the fireplace. On each side of the glass doors are rounded recesses with windows. On one side of the room a door opens into the library. On the other side is a door to the hall—the chief entrance of the house. The room is handsomely furnished in eighteenth century style. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are discovered sitting on either side of the table. Mrs. Bennet is knitting—Mr. Bennet reading.

Mrs. Bennet.

[After a slight pause and laying down her knitting.]

My dear Mr. Bennet, did not you hear me? Did you know that Netherfield Park is let at last?

Mr. Bennet.

[Continues reading and does not answer.]

Mrs. Bennet.

[Impatiently.] Do not you want to know who has taken it?

Mr. Bennet.

[Ceases reading and looks up at her with an amused smile.] You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.

Mrs. Bennet.

[With animation.] Why, my dear, you must know Lady Lucas says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the North of England. His name is Bingley, and he is single, my dear. Think of that, Mr. Bennet! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand pounds a year. What a fine thing for our girls!