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"We were born in the same parish, within the same park; the

greatest part of our youth was passed together: inmates of the

same house, sharing the same amusements, objects of the same

parental care. My father began life in the profession which your

uncle, Mr. Philips, appears to do so much credit to; but he gave

up everything to be of use to the late Mr. Darcy, and devoted all

his time to the care of the Pemberley property. He was most

highly esteemed by Mr. Darcy, a most intimate, confidential

friend. Mr. Darcy often acknowledged himself to be under the

greatest obligations to my father's active superintendence; and

when, immediately before my father's death, Mr. Darcy gave him a

voluntary promise of providing for me, I am convinced that he

felt it to be as much a debt of gratitude to him as of affection

to myself."