{{prxprp260.jpg}} || 260 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

as Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for

breath, came up with him, and eagerly cried out,

'Oh, papa, what news? what news? Have you heard from

my uncle?'

'Yes, I have had a letter from him by express.'

'Well, and what news does it bring -- good or bad?'

'What is there of good to be expected?' said he, taking the

letter from his pocket; 'but perhaps you would like to read it.'

Elizabeth impatiently caught it from his hand. Jane now

came up.

'Read it aloud,' said their father, Tor I hardly know myself

what it is about.'

> 'Gracechurch Street, Monday, August 2.

> 'My dear Brother,

> 'At last I am able to send you some tidings of my niece, and such as,

> upon the whole, I hope will give you satisfaction. Soon after you left

> me on Saturday I was fortunate enough to find out in what part of

> London they were. The particulars I reserve till we meet: it is enough

> to know they 2re discovered. I have seen them both *

'Then it is as I always hoped,' cried Jane; 'they are married!'

Elizabeth read on:

> T have seen them both. They are not married, nor can I find there

> was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform the

> engagements which I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it

> will not be long before they are. All that is required of you is, to assure

> to your daughter, by settlement, her equal share of the five thousand

> pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and

> my sister; and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her,

> during your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are condi'

> tions, which, considering every thing, I had no hesitation in complying

> with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send this

> by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You

> will easily comprehend from these particulars, that Mr. Wickham's

> circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be.

> The world has been deceived in that respect; and I am happy to say

> there will be some Little money, even when all his debts are discharged,

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