Chapter 49 288 as is his character , we are forced to rejoice . Oh , Lydia !"
" I comfort myself with thinking ," replied Jane , " that he certainly would not marry Lydia if he had not a real regard for her . Though our kind uncle has done something towards clearing him , I cannot believe that ten thousand pounds , or anything like it , has been advanced . He has children of his own , and may have more . How could he spare half ten thousand pounds ?"
" If he were ever able to learn what Wickham ' s debts have been ," said Elizabeth , " and how much is settled on his side on our sister , we shall exactly know what Mr . Gardiner has done for them , because Wickham has not sixpence of his own . The kindness of my uncle and aunt can never be requited . Their taking her home , and affording her their personal protection and countenance , is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge . By this time she is actually with them ! If such goodness does not make her miserable now , she will never deserve to be happy ! What a meeting for her , when she first sees my aunt !"
" We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side ," said Jane : " I hope and trust they will yet be happy . His consenting to marry her is a proof , I will believe , that he is come to a right way of thinking . Their mutual affection will steady them ; and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly , and live in so rational a manner , as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten ."
" Their conduct has been such ," replied Elizabeth , " as neither you , nor I , nor anybody can ever forget . It is useless to talk of it ."
It now occurred to the girls that their mother was in all likelihood perfectly ignorant of what had happened . They went to the library , therefore , and asked their father whether he would not wish them to make it known to her . He was writing and , without raising his head , coolly replied :
" Just as you please ." " May we take my uncle ' s letter to read to her ?"