Page 165 of 817

"I know very well, madam," said he, "that when persons sit down

to a card table they must take their chance of these things,--and

happily I am not in such circumstances as to make five shillings

any object. There are, undoubtedly, many who could not say the

same; but, thanks to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, I am removed far

beyond the necessity of regarding little matters."

Mr. Wickham's attention was caught; and after observing Mr.

Collins for a few moments, he asked Elizabeth in a low voice

whether her relations were very intimately acquainted with the

family of De Bourgh.

"Lady Catherine de Bourgh," she replied, "has very lately given

him a living. I hardly know how Mr. Collins was first introduced

to her notice, but he certainly has not known her long."

"You know of course that Lady Catherine de Bourgh and Lady Anne

Darcy were sisters; consequently that she is aunt to the present

Mr. Darcy."