Pagina 591 di 817

"Well, then,--supposing them to be in London--they may be there,

though for the purpose of concealment, for no more exceptionable

purpose. It is not likely that money should be very abundant on

either side; and it might strike them that they could be more

economically, though less expeditiously, married in London, than

in Scotland."

"But why all this secrecy? Why any fear of detection? Why must

their marriage be private? Oh, no, no--this is not likely. His

most particular friend, you see by Jane's account, was persuaded

of his never intending to marry her. Wickham will never marry a

woman without some money. He cannot afford it. And what claims

has Lydia, what attractions has she beyond youth, health, and

good humour, that could make him for her sake forego every chance

of benefiting himself by marrying well? As to what restraint the

apprehensions of disgrace in the corps might throw on a

dishonourable elopement with her, I am not able to judge; for I

know nothing of the effects that such a step might produce. But

as to your other objection, I am afraid it will hardly hold good.