Chapter 1

It is a truth universally acknowledged right???, that a single man in posses- sion of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife or a lady beside him.

little known that such feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering on great adventure of his neighborhood, this truth seems to be fixed in the minds of the surrounding families and people, that he is considered the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.

"My love, mr Johnson ," said his lovely wife to him, "have you heard that Maverick Park is let at last?"

Mr. Johnson replied that he had not heard of such.

"But it is," returned she; "for Mrs. Benny has just been here, and she told me all about it."

Mr. Johnson made no answer.

"Do you not want to know who has taken it?" cried his wife impatiently as if she is anxious to hear something from the husband.

"You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it."

This was invitation enough.

"Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Benny says that maverick is

taken by a young man so calm and goo looking with large fortune from France; 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. Kenny immediately; that he is to take possession before A known company with such much profit and reputation, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week."

"What is his name?"

"Prince,

"Is he married or single?"

"Oh! Very Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune;

For Century. What a fine thing for our girls!"

"How so? How can it affect them?"

"My dear Mr. Johnson," replied his wife, "how can you be so tire- some! You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them."

Is that his design in settling here?"

"Design! Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes." Do you understand me please?? I'm doing this for our family.

Mr Johnson "I see no occasion for that. You and the girls may go, or you may send them by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you are as beautiful as any of them, Mr. kenny may like you the best of the party."

Mrs Johnson "My dear, you flatter me. I certainly have had my share of beauty, but I do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now. When a woman has Two grown-up daughters, she ought to give over thinking of her own beauty."

"In such cases, a woman has not often much beauty to think of."

"But, my dear, you must indeed go and see Mr. Kenny when he comes into the neighbourhood."

"It is more than I engage for, I assure you."

"But consider your daughters. Only think what an establishment it would be for one of them. Willson and Prisca are determined to go, merely on that account, for in general, you know, they visit no newcomers. Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us to visit him

surely. I dare say Mr. Kenny will be very glad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of my hearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; though I must throw in a good word for my little Flora."

"I desire you will do no such thing. Flora is not a bit better than the others; and I am sure she is not half so beautiful as Jane, nor half so good-humoured as Loveth. But you are always giving her the preference."

"They have none of them much to recommend them," replied he; "they are all ignorant like other girls; but Flora has something more of quickness than her sister."

"Mr. Johnson , how can you abuse your own children in such a way? You take delight in getting me angry me. You have no compassion for my poor nerves."

Mrs Johnson "You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these last six years at least."

"Ah, you do not know what I suffer."

"But I hope you will get over it, and live to see many young men of four thousand a year come into the neighbourhood."

"It will be useless to us, if twelve such should come, since you will not visit them."

"Depend upon it, my dear, that when there are twelve, I will visit them all."

Mr. Johnson was so odd a mixture of quick parts, contemptuous humour, reserve, and humour, that the experience of three-and-twelve years have not been enough to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was less difficult to develop. She was a woman of mean understanding, little information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters married; its solace was visiting and news.