{{prxprp069.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 69 ||

Mr. Darcy without being grieved to the soul by a thousand

tender recollections. His behaviour to myself has been scandalous;

but I verily believe I could forgive him any thing and every thing,

rather than his disappointing the hopes and disgracing the

memory of his father.'

Elizabeth found the interest of the subject increase, hk\ listened

with all her heart; but the delicacy of it prevented further

inquiry.

Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Mcryton,

the neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with

all that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter especially, with

gentle but very intelligible gallantry.

'It was the prospect of constant society, and good society,' he

added, 'which was my chief inducement to enter the shire.

I knew it to be 2 most respectable, agreeable corps, and my

friend Denny tempted mc further by his account of their present

quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent acquaintance

Mcryton had procured them. Society, I own, is necessary to mc.

I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits will not bear

solitude. I must have employment and society. A military life

is not what I was intended for, but circumstances have now made

it eligible. The church eugbt to have been my profession --

I was brought up for the church, and I should at this time have

been in possession of a most valuable living, had it pleased the

gentleman we were speaking of just now.'

'Indeed!'

'Yes -- the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed mc the next presentation

of the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and execs^

sively attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He

meant to provide for mc amply, and thought he had done it; but

when the living fell, it was given elsewhere.'

'Good heavens!' cried Eliza bah; 'but how could tbat be? --

How could his will be disregarded; -- Why did not you seek

legal redress?'

'There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest

as to give mc no hope from law. A man of honour could not

have doubted the intention, but Mr. Darcy chose tc doubt it-

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