Elizabeth was now most heartily sorry that she had,from the distress of the moment,been led to make Mr.Darcy acquainted with their fears for her sister; for since her marriage would so shortly give the proper termination to the elopement,they might hope to conceal its unfavourable beginning from all those who were not immediately on the spot.

What a triumph for him,as she often thought,could he know that the proposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, would now have been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as generous, she doubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal, there must be a triumph.

How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence,she could not imagine.But how little of permanent happiness could belong to a couple who were only brought together because their passions were stronger than their virtue, she could easily conjecture.

Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family;and concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to him again.The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that Mr.Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia.