Bennet, for many years after Lydia’s birth, had been certain that he

would. This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too

late to be saving. Mrs. Bennet had no turn for economy; and her

husband’s love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their

income.
Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs. Bennet and

the children. But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the

latter depended on the will of the parents. This was one point, with

regard to Lydia at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennet

could have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him. In

terms of grateful acknowledgment for the kindness of his brother, though

expressed most concisely, he then delivered on paper his perfect

approbation of all that was done, and his willingness to fulfil the

engagements that had been made for him. He had never before supposed

that, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it would be

done with so little inconvenience to himself as by the present{379}

arrangement. He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser, by the

hundred that was to be paid them; for, what with her board and pocket

allowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to her

through her mother’s hands, Lydia’s expenses had been very little within

that sum.
That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, was

another very welcome surprise; for his chief wish at present was to have

as little trouble in the business as possible. When the first transports

of rage which had produced his activity in seeking her were over, he

naturally returned to all his former indolence. His letter was soon

despatched; for though dilatory in undertaking business, he was quick in

its execution. He begged to know further particulars of what he was

indebted to his brother; but was too angry with Lydia to send any

message to her.