“EDW.GARDINER.”

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

“Then it is as I always hoped,”cried Jane;“they are married!”

And so saying,he turned back with them,and walked towards the house.

Most earnestly did she then entreaty him to lose no more time before he wrote.

“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.”

“What is there of good to be expected?”said he, taking the letter from his pocket.“But perhaps you would like to read it.”

“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.”

Upon this information,they instantly passed through the hall once more, and ran across the lawn after their father, who was deliberately pursuing his way towards a small wood on one side of the paddock.