{{prhprp412.jpg}}

she had given somewhat of a trial to the latter method,

in her partiality for Wickham, and that its ill success might,

perhaps, authorize her to seek the other less interesting

mode of attachment. Be that as it may, she saw him go

with regret; and in this early example of what Lydia's

infamy must produce, found additional anguish as she

reflected on that wretched business. Never since reading

Jane's second letter had she entertained a hope of Wick-

ham's meaning to marry her. No one but Jane, she thought,

could flatter herself with such an expectation. Surprise

was the least of all her feelings on this development. While

the contents of the first letter remained on her mind, she

was all surprise, all astonishment, that Wickham should

marry a girl, whom it was impossible he could marry for

money; and how Lydia could ever have attached him had

appeared incomprehensible. But now it was all too natural.

For such an attachment as this she might have sufficient

charms; and though she did not suppose Lydia to be de-

liberately engaging in an elopement, without the intention

of marriage, she had no difficulty in believing that neither

her virtue nor her understanding would preserve her from

falling an easy prey.

She had never perceived, while the regiment was in

Hertfordshire, that Lydia had any partiality for him; but

she was convinced that Lydia had wanted only encourage-

ment to attach herself to anybody. Sometimes one offi-

cer, sometimes another, had been her favourite, as their

attentions raised them in her opinion. Her affections had

been continually fluctuating, but never without an object.

The mischief of neglect and mistaken indulgence towards

such a girl -- oh! how acutely did she now feel it.

She was wild to be at home -- to hear, to see, to be upon

the spot to share with Jane in the cares that must now fall

wholly upon her, in a family so deranged; a father absent, a

mother incapable of exertion, and requiring constant attend-

ance; and though almost persuaded that nothing could be

done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the

utmost importance, and till he entered the room the misery

of her impatience was severe. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner had

hurried back in alarm, supposing, by the servant's account,

 [412]