{{prxprp269.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 269 ||

But no such happy marriage could now teach the admiring

multitude what connubial felicity really was. An union of a

different tendency, and precluding the possibility of the other,

was soon to be formed in their family.

How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in toler^

able independence, she could not imagine. But how little of

permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were

only brought together because their passions were stronger than

their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's

acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurances of his eagerness

to promote the welfare of any of his family; and concluded with

entreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to him again.

The principal purport of his letter was to inform them, that

Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the Militia.

'It was greatly my wish that he should do so/ she added, ' as soon as

his marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me, in

considering a removal from that corps as highly advisable, both on

his account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention to go into

the Regulars; and, among his former friends, there are still some who are

able and willing to assist him in the army. He has the promise of an

ensigncy in General 's regiment, now quartered in the North. It

is an advantage to have it so far from this part of the kingdom. He

promises fairly, and I hope among different people, where they may

each have a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent.

I have written to Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrange

ments, and to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of

Mr. Wickham in and near Brighton, with assurances of speedy payment,

for which I have pledged myself. -- And will you give yourself the trouble

of carrying similar assurances to his creditors in Meryton, of whom I

shall subjoin a list, according to his information. He has given in all

his debts; I hope at least he has not deceived us. Haggerston has our

directions, and all will be completed in a week. They will then join

his regiment, unless they are first invited to Longbourn; and I under"

stand from Mrs. Gardiner, that my niece is very desirous of seeing you

all, before she leaves the South. She is well, and begs to be dutifully

remembered to you and her mother. -- Yours, etc. 'E. Gardiner.'

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