When the card tables were placed, he had an opportunity of obliging her,

in return, by sitting down to whist.
“I know little of the game at present,” said he, “but I shall be glad to

improve myself; for in my situation of life——” Mrs. Philips was very

thankful for his compliance, but could not wait for his reason.
Mr. Wickham did not play at whist, and with ready delight was he

received at the other table between Elizabeth and Lydia. At first there

seemed danger of Lydia’s engrossing him entirely, for she was a most

determined talker; but being likewise extremely fond of lottery tickets,

she soon grew too much interested in the game, too eager in making bets

and exclaiming after prizes, to have attention for anyone in particular.

Allowing for the common demands of the game, Mr. Wickham was therefore

at leisure to talk to Elizabeth, and she was very willing to hear him,

though what she chiefly wished to hear she could not hope to be told,

the history of his acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. She dared not even

mention that gentleman. Her curiosity, how{99}ever, was unexpectedly

relieved. Mr. Wickham began the subject himself. He inquired how far

Netherfield was from Meryton; and, after receiving her answer, asked in

a hesitating manner how long Mr. Darcy had been staying there.
“About a month,” said Elizabeth; and then, unwilling to let the subject

drop, added, “he is a man of very large property in Derbyshire, I

understand.”
“Yes,” replied Wickham; “his estate there is a noble one. A clear ten

thousand per annum. You could not have met with a person more capable of

giving you certain information on that head than myself—for I have been

connected with his family, in a particular manner, from my infancy.”
Elizabeth could not but look surprised.
“You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, after

seeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meeting

yesterday. Are you much acquainted with Mr. Darcy?”