{{prxprp266.jpg}} || 266 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE ||

Mrs. Bennet and the children. But in what proportions it should

be divided amongst the latter, depended on the will of the parents.

This was one point, with regard to Lydia at least, which was

now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet could have no hesitation in

acceding to the proposal before him. In terms of grateful acknow

ledgment for the kindness of his brother, though expressed most

concisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect approbation of

all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil the engagements

that had been made for him. He had never before supposed

that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter,

it would be done with so little inconvenience to himself, as by the

present arrangement. He would scarcely be ten pounds a year

the loser, by the hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with

her board and pocket allowance, and the continual presents in

money which passed to her through her mother's hands, Lydia's

expenses had been very little within that sum.

That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side,

too, was another very welcome surprize; for his wish at present,

was to have as little trouble in the business as possible. When

the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in

seeking her were over, he naturally returned to all his former

indolence. His letter was soon dispatched; for, though dilatory

in undertaking business, he was quick in its execution. He

begged to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his

brother; but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her.

The good news quickly spread through the house; and with

proportionate speed through the neighbourhood. It was borne

in the latter with decent philosophy. To be sure it would have

been more for the advantage of conversation, had Miss Lydia

Bennet come upon the town; or, as the happiest alternative, been

secluded from the world, in some distant farm house. But there

was much to be talked of, in marrying her; and the good-natured

wishes for her well-doing, which had proceeded before from all

the spiteful old ladies in Meryton, lost but little of their spirit in

this change of circumstances, because with such an husband, her

misery was considered certain.

It was a fortnight since Mrs. Bennet had been down stairs, but

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