I want to forget them. I stood them for
nearly six months. I don't want to be reminded of them. I want to
forget that they ever existed. I want to forget -
Bennet has come down very quietly. Fanny, from where he stands, is
the only one who sees him. He stands looking at her, his features,
as ever, immovable. At sight of him her eyes and mouth open wider
and wider. The words die away from her tongue. Vernon has turned
away to put a log on the fire, and so has not seen her expression--
only hears her sudden silence. He looks up and sees Bennet.
VERNON. Ah, Bennet! [He advances, holding out his hand.] You quite
well?
BENNET [shaking hands with him]. Quite well.
VERNON. Good! And all the family?
BENNET. Nothing to complain of. Charles has had a touch of
influenza.
VERNON. Ah, sorry to hear that.
BENNET. And your lordship?
VERNON. Fit as a fiddle--your new mistress.
Fanny has risen. Bennet turns to her. For a moment his back is
towards the other three. Fanny alone sees his face.
BENNET. We shall endeavour to do our duty to her ladyship. [He
turns to Vernon.] I had arranged for a more fitting reception -
VERNON. To tell the honest truth, Bennet, the very thing we were
afraid of--why we walked from the station, and slipped in by the side
door. [Laughing.] Has the luggage come?
BENNET. It has just arrived. It was about that I came to ask. I
could not understand -
The Misses Wetherell have also risen.
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