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How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in toler-

able independence she could not imagine. But how little of

permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were

only brought together because their passions were stronger

than their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr.

Bennet's acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurances

of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family;

and concluded with entreaties that the subject might never

be mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his

letter was to inform them that Mr. Wickham had resolved

on quitting the militia.

> 'It was greatly my wish that he should do so,' he added, 'as soon

> as his marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me

> in considering a removal from that corps as highly advisable, both

> on his account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention to go

> into the Regulars; and, among his former friends, there are still

> some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He has

> the promise of an ensigncy in General ____'s regiment, now quar-

> tered in the north. It is an advantage to have it so far from this

> part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among dif-

> ferent people, where they may each have a character to preserve,

> they will both be more prudent. I have written to Colonel Forster,

> to inform him of our present arrangements, and to request that he

> will satisfy the various creditors of Mr. Wickham in and near

> Brighton with assurances of speedy payment, for which I have pledged

> myself. And will you give yourself the trouble of carrying similar

> assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I shall subjoin a

> list, according to his information? He has given in all his debts;

> I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our direc-

> tions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join his

> regiment, unless they are first invited to Longbourn; and I under-

> stand from Mrs. Gardiner that my niece is very desirous of seeing

> you all before she leaves the south. She is well, and begs to be

> dutifully remembered to you and her mother. -- Yours, etc.'

>

> E. Gardiner

Mr. Bennet and his daughters saw all the advantages of

Wickham's removal from the shire, as clearly as Mr.

Gardiner could do. But Mrs. Bennet was not so well pleased

with it. Lydia's being settled in the north, just when she

had expected most pleasure and pride in her company, for

she had by no means given up her plan of their residing in

Hertfordshire, was a severe disappointment; and, besides,

it was such a pity that Lydia should be taken from a regi-

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