صفحة 621 من 817

"I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out, if

possible, from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment,

whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be

likely to know in what part of the town he has now concealed

himself. If there were anyone that one could apply to, with a

probability of gaining such a clue as that, it might be of

essential consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us.

Colonel Forster will, I dare say, do everything in his power to

satisfy us on this head. But, on second thoughts, perhaps Lizzy

could tell us what relations he has now living better than any

other person."

Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference

for her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give

any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment

deserved.