Pagina 647 van 817

Mr. Bennet had very often wished, before this period of his life,

that, instead of spending his whole income, he had laid by an

annual sum, for the better provision of his children, and of his

wife, if she survived him. He now wished it more than ever. Had

he done his duty in that respect, Lydia need not have been

indebted to her uncle for whatever of honour or credit could now

be purchased for her. The satisfaction of prevailing on one of

the most worthless young men in Great Britain to be her husband

might then have rested in its proper place.

He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to

anyone should be forwarded at the sole expense of his

brother-in-law; and he was determined, if possible, to find out

the extent of his assistance, and to discharge the obligation as

soon as he could.