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His own father did not long survive mine; and within half a year

from these events Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having

finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should not

think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate

pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment, by which he could

not be benefited. He had some intention, he added, of studying

the law, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand

pounds would be a very insufficient support therein. I rather

wished than believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was

perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr.

Wickham ought not to be a clergyman. The business was therefore

soon settled. He resigned all claim to assistance in the church,

were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive

it, and accepted in return three thousand pounds. All connection

between us seemed now dissolved. I thought too ill of him to

invite him to Pemberley, or admit his society in town.