Chapter 50 292
as by the present arrangement . He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by the hundred that was to be paid them ; for , what with her board and pocket allowance , and the continual presents in money which passed to her through her mother ' s hands , Lydia ' s expenses had been very little within that sum .
That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side , too , was another very welcome surprise ; for his wish at present was to have as little trouble in the business as possible . When the first transports of rage which had produced his activity in seeking her were over , he naturally returned to all his former indolence . His letter was soon dispatched ; for , though dilatory in undertaking business , he was quick in its execution . He begged to know further particulars of what he was indebted to his brother , but was too angry with Lydia to send any message to her .
The good news spread quickly through the house , and with proportionate speed through the neighbourhood . It was borne in the latter with decent philosophy . To be sure , it would have been more for the advantage of conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town ; or , as the happiest alternative , been secluded from the world , in some distant farmhouse . But there was much to be talked of in marrying her ; and the good-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before from all the spiteful old ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spirit in this change of circumstances , because with such an husband her misery was considered certain .
It was a fortnight since Mrs . Bennet had been downstairs ; but on this happy day she again took her seat at the head of her table , and in spirits oppressively high . No sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph . The marriage of a daughter , which had been the first object of her wishes since Jane was sixteen , was now on the point of accomplishment , and her thoughts and her words ran wholly on those attendants of elegant nuptials , fine muslins , new carriages , and servants . She was busily searching through the neighbourhood for a proper situation for her daughter , and , without knowing or considering what their income might be , rejected many as deficient in size and importance .