Jane Austen
to the others. They were soon gone again, rising from their seats with an activity which took
their brother by surprise, and hurrying off as if eager to escape from Mrs. Bennet's civilities.
The prospect of the Netherfield ball was extremely agreeable to every female of the
family. Mrs. Bennet chose to consider it as given in compliment to her eldest daughter, and
was particularly flattered by receiving the invitation from Mr. Bingley himself, instead of a
ceremonious card. Jane pictured to herself a happy evening in the society of her two friends,
and the attentions of her brother; and Elizabeth thought with pleasure of dancing a great
deal with Mr. Wickham, and of seeing a confirmation of everything in Mr. Darcy's look and
behaviour. The happiness anticipated by Catherine and Lydia depended less on any single
event, or any particular person, for though they each, like Elizabeth, meant to dance half the
evening with Mr
annaabi.ee 
