It does seem, on closer inspection, that Mr. Bennet is being rather cold towards his wife and his daughters. Perhaps it is our unwillingness to admit that he may be so that keeps us thinking him amiable. I find it rather difficult to determine what he means by saying all of this. Does he say these things in a joking manner, sure that his wife and daughters will think nothing of it? Or, does he mean to carefully scold Kitty and Lydia for being so silly? Perhaps though, since he does not press the matter any further than what has already been quoted, we may determine that he did not mean much by it at all.