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Mr. Wickham began to speak on more general topics, Meryton, the

neighbourhood, the society, appearing highly pleased with all

that he had yet seen, and speaking of the latter, especially,

with gentle but very intelligible gallantry.

"It was the prospect of constant society, and good society," he

added, "which was my chief inducement to enter the ----shire. I

know it to be a most respectable, agreeable corps; and my friend

Denny tempted me further by his account of their present

quarters, and the very great attentions and excellent

acquaintance Meryton had procured them. Society, I own, is

necessary to me. I have been a disappointed man, and my spirits

will not bear solitude. I must have employment and society. A

military life is not what I was intended for, but circumstances

have now made it eligible. The church ought to have been my

profession--I was brought up for the church; and I should at this

time have been in possession of a most valuable living, had it

pleased the gentleman we were speaking of just now."