but this is the true one. Nothing was to be done that he did not

do himself; though I am sure (and I do not speak it to be thanked,

therefore say nothing about it) your uncle would most readily have

settled the whole. They battled it together for a long time, which

was more than either the gentleman or lady concerned in it

deserved. But at last your uncle was forced to yield, and instead

of being allowed to be of use to his niece, was forced to put up

with only having the probable credit of it, which went sorely

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 further 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 her, 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 consideration, that Wickham’s character

had been so{398} 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 staying 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 everything.