第113章[第1页/共5页]

“For we must attribute this happy conclusion,”she added,“in a great measure to his kindness.We are persuaded that he has pledged himself to assist Mr.Wickham with money.”

Mr.Bennet made no answer,and each of them,deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house.Their father then went on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the breakfast-room.

Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence of these transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr.Gardiner's behaviour laid them all under.

“May we take my uncle's letter to read to her?”

Poor Lydia's situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it was no worse,she had need to be thankful.She felt it so;and though,in looking forward,neither rational happiness nor worldly prosperity could be justly expected for her sister, in looking back to what they had feared,only two hours ago,she felt all the advantages of what they had gained.

“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?”

“I will go to Meryton,”said she,“as soon as I am dressed,and tell the good,good news to my sister Philips.And as I come back, I can call on Lady Lucas and Mrs. Long. Kitty, run down and order the carriage.An airing would do me a great deal of good,I am sure.Girls,can I do anything for you in Meryton?Oh!Here comes Hill! My dear Hill, have you heard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shall all have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding.”