第112章[第1頁/共5頁]

“Well,and what news does it bring―good or bad?”

“Dear madam,”cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment,“don't you know there is an express come for master from Mr.Gardiner? He has been here this half-hour,and master has had a letter.”

“What do you mean,Hill?We have heard nothing from town.”

“EDW.GARDINER.”

“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.”

“Wickham is not so undeserving,then,as we thought him,”said her sister.“My dear father,I congratulate you.”

“I dislike it very much,”he replied;“but it must be done.”

“I have seen them both.They are not married,nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform the engagements which I have ventured to make on your side,I hope it will not be long before they are.All that is required of you is,to assure to your daughter,by settlement,her equal share of the five thousand pounds secured among your children after the decease of yourself and my sister;and,moreover,to enter into an engagement of allowing her,during your life,one hundred pounds per annum.These are conditions which,considering everything, I had no hesitation in complying with,as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these particulars, that Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless as they are generally believed to be.The world has been deceived in that respect;and I am happy to say there will be some little money,even when all his debts are discharged,to settle on my niece,in addition to her own fortune.If,as I conclude will be the case,you send me full powers to act in your name throughout the whole of this business,I will immediately give directions to Haggerston for preparing a proper settlement.There will not be the smallest occasion for your coming to town again;therefore stay quiet at Longbourn,and depend on my diligence and care.Send back your answer as fast as you can, and be careful to write explicitly.We have judged it best that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hope you will approve.She comes to us to-day.I shall write again as soon as anything more is determined on.Yours,etc.,