Strona 635 z 817

Elizabeth read on: "I have seen them both. They are not married,

nor can I find there was any intention of being so; but if you

are willing to perform the engagements which I have ventured to

make on your side, I hope it will not be long before they are.

All that is required of you is, to assure to your daughter, by

settlement, her equal share of the five thousand pounds, secured

among your children after the decease of yourself and my sister;

and, moreover, to enter into an engagement of allowing her,

during your life, one hundred pounds per annum. These are

conditions which, considering everything, I had no hesitation in

complying with, as far as I thought myself privileged, for you. I

shall send this by express, that no time may be lost in bringing

me your answer. You will easily comprehend, from these

particulars, that Mr. Wickham's circumstances are not so hopeless

as they are generally believed to be.