صفحة 194 من 817

"No," replied Jane, "I have not forgotten him; but I have nothing

satisfactory to tell you. Mr. Bingley does not know the whole of

his history, and is quite ignorant of the circumstances which

have principally offended Mr. Darcy; but he will vouch for the

good conduct, the probity and honour, of his friend, and is

perfectly convinced that Mr. Wickham has deserved much less

attention from Mr. Darcy than he has received; and I am sorry to

say that by his account, as well as his sister's, Mr. Wickham is

by no means a respectable young man. I am afraid he has been very

imprudent, and has deserved to lose Mr. Darcy's regard."

"Mr. Bingley does not know Mr. Wickham himself."

"No; he never saw him till the other morning at Meryton."

"This account then is what he has received from Mr. Darcy. I am

perfectly satisfied. But what does he say of the living?"