{{prxprp262.jpg}} || 262 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

'I mean, that no man in his senses would marry Lydia on so

slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life, and

fifty after I am gone.'

'That is very true,' said Elizabeth; 'though it had not occurred

to me before. His debts to be discharged, and something still

to remain! Oh! it must be my uncle's doings! Generous, good

man, I am afraid he has distressed himself. A small sum could

not do all this.'

'No,' said her father; ' Wickham 's a fool if he takes her with

a farthing less than ten thousand pounds. I should be sorry to

think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship.'

'Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such

a sum to be repaid?'

Mr. Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought,

continued silent till they reached the house. Their father then

went to the library to write, and the girls walked into the

breakfastroom.

'And they are really to be married!' cried Elizabeth, as soon

as they were by themselves. 'How strange this is! And for

this we are to be thankful. That they should marry, small as is

their chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we

are forced to rejoice! Oh, Lydia!'

'I comfort myself with thinking,' replied Jane, 'that he certainly

would not marry Lydia, if he had not a real regard for her. Though

our kind uncle has done something towards clearing him, I

cannot believe that ten thousand pounds, or anything like it, has

been advanced. He has children of his own, and may have

more. How could he spare half ten thousand pounds?'

'If we are ever able to learn what Wickham's debts have

been,' said Elizabeth, 'and how much is settled on his side on

our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done

for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own. The

kindness of my uncle and aunt can never be requited. Their

taking her home, and affording her their personal protection and

countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of

gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By this time she is

actually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable

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