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 breakfast-room.
“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{374} 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 now,

she will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when she

first sees my aunt!”
“We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,” said

Jane: “I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry