{{prxprp279.jpg}} || PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 279 ||

against the grain; and I really believe your letter this morning gave

him great pleasure, because it required an explanation that would

rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise where it was due.

But, Lizzy, this must go no farther than yourself, or Jane at most.

You know pretty well, I suppose, what has been done for the young

people. His debts are to be paid, amounting, I believe, to considerably

more than a thousand pounds, another thousand in addition to her

own settled upon ber, and his commission purchased. The reason

why all this was to be done by him alone, was such as I have given

above. It was owing to him, to his reserve, and want of proper con^

sideration, that Wickham's character had been so misunderstood, and,

consequently, that he had been received and noticed as he was. Perhaps

there was some truth in this; though I doubt whether his reserve, or

anybody's reserve, can be answerable for the event. But in spite of all

this fine talking, my dear Lizzy, you may rest perfectly assured, that

your uncle would never have yielded, if we had not given him credit for

another interest in the affair. When all this was resolved on, he returned

again to his friends, who were still saying at Pemberley; but it was

agreed that he should be in London once more when the wedding

took place, and all money matters were then to receive the last finish.

I believe I have now told you every thing. It is a relation which you

tell me is to give you great surprize; I hope at least it will not afford you

any displeasure. Lydia came to us; and Wickham had constant

admission to the house. He was exactly what he had been when I

knew him in Hertfordshire; but I would not tell you how little I was

satisfied with ber behaviour while she stayed with us, if I had not

perceived, by Jane's letter last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming

home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell

you can give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the

most serious manner, representing to her the wickedness of what

she had done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family.

If she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not

listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my

dear Elizabeth and Jane, arid for their sakes had patience with her.

Mr. Darcy was punctual in his return, and, as Lydia informed you,

attended the wedding. He dined with us the next day, and was to leave

town again on Wednesday or Thursday. Will you be very angry

with me, my dear Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying (what

I was never bold enough to say before) how much I like him. His

behaviour to us has, in every respect, been as pleasing as when we were

in Derbyshire. His understanding and opinions all please me; he

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