{{prhprp437.jpg}}

Chapter L

Mr. Bennet had very often wished, before this

period of his life, that, instead of spending his whole

income, he had laid by an annual sum, for the better

provision of his children, and of his wife, if she survived

him. He now wished it more than ever. Had he done his

duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been indebted to

her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now be

purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on one

of the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her

husband might then have rested in its proper place.

He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little ad-

vantage to any one should be forwarded at the sole expense

of his brother-in-law; and he was determined, if possible,

to find out the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the

obligation as soon as he could.

When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held

to be perfectly useless; for, of course, they were to have a

son. This son was to join in cutting off the entail, as soon

as he should be of age, and the widow and younger children

would by that means be provided for. Five daughters suc-

cessively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and

Mrs. Bennet, for many years after Lydia's birth, had been

certain that he would. This event had at last been despaired

of, but it was then too late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet had

no turn for economy; and her husband's love of independence

had alone prevented their exceeding their income.

Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on

Mrs. Bennet and the children. But in what proportions it

should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will

of the parents. This was one point, with regard to Lydia

at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could

have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him.

In terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of his

brother, though expressed most concisely, he then delivered

 [437]