{{prxprp067.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 67 ||

a kind listener in Mrs. Philips, and was, by her watchfulness,

most abundantly supplied with coffee and muffin.

When the card'tables were placed, he had an opportunity of

obliging her in return, by sitting down to whist.

'I know little of the game at present,' said he, 'but I shall be

glad to improve myself, for in my situation in life ' Mrs.

Philips was very thankful for his compliance, but could not

wait for his reason.

Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight

was he received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia.

At first there seemed danger of Lydia's engrossing him entirely,

for she was a most determined talker; but being likewise extremely

fond of lottery tickets, she soon grew too much interested in the

game, too eager in making bets and exclaiming after prizes, to

have attention for any one in particular. Allowing for the

common demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore at

leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him,

though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to

be told, the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She

dared not even mention that gentleman. Her curiosity however

was unexpectedly relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject

himself. He inquired how far Netherfield was from Meryton;

and, after receiving her answer, asked in an hesitating manner

how long Mr. Darcy had been staying there.

'About a month,' said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let

the subject drop, added, 'he is a man of very large property in

Derbyshire, I understand.'

'Yes,' replied Wickham; -- 'his estate there is a noble one. A

clear ten thousand per annum. You could not have met with

a person more capable of giving you certain information on that

head than myself -- for I have been connected with his family in

a particular manner from my infancy.'

Elizabeth could not but look surprized.

'You may well be surprized, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion,

after seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of

our meeting yesterday. -- Are you much acquainted with Mr.

Darcy?'

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