Chapter 49 286
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 .,
" EDW . GARDINER ."
" Is it possible ?" cried Elizabeth , when she had finished . " Can it be possible that he will marry her ?"
" Wickham is not so undeserving , then , as we thought him ," said her sister . " My dear father , I congratulate you ."
" And have you answered the letter ?" cried Elizabeth . " No ; but it must be done soon ."
Most earnestly did she then entreaty him to lose no more time before he wrote .
" Oh ! my dear father ," she cried , " come back and write immediately . Consider how important every moment is in such a case ."
" Let me write for you ," said Jane , " if you dislike the trouble yourself ." " I dislike it very much ," he replied ; " but it must be done ." And so saying , he turned back with them , and walked towards the house .