صفحة 418 من 817

The vicious propensities, the want of principle, which he was

careful to guard from the knowledge of his best friend, could not

escape the observation of a young man of nearly the same age with

himself, and who had opportunities of seeing him in unguarded

moments, which Mr. Darcy could not have. Here again I shall give

you pain--to what degree you only can tell. But whatever may be

the sentiments which Mr. Wickham has created, a suspicion of

their nature shall not prevent me from unfolding his real

character. It adds even another motive. My excellent father died

about five years ago; and his attachment to Mr. Wickham was to

the last so steady, that in his will he particularly recommended

it to me to promote his advancement in the best manner that his

profession might allow, and if he took orders, desired that a

valuable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant.

There was also a legacy of one thousand pounds.