Mary Keith Medbery Mackaye

MR. DARCY-(of Pemberley, Derbyshire). "Possessed of a fine tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and ... ten thousand a year ... clever ... haughty, reserved and fastidious; his manners, though well-bred, were not inviting. 'Some people call him proud, ' said Mrs. Reynolds, the housekeeper at Pemberley, 'but I am sure I never saw anything of it.... He is the best landlord and the best master that ever lived.'" MR. BINGLEY-(of Netherfield, Hertfordshire, Darcy's Friend). "Just what a young man ought to be; sensible and good-humoured, lively ... such happy manners So much ease, with such perfect good breeding.... Also handsome, which a young man ought likewise to be if he possibly can." COLONEL FITZWILLIAM-(Cousin to Darcy). "About thirty, not handsome, but in person and address most truly the gentleman."

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.