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Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's

acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurances of his

eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family; and

concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be

mentioned to him again. The principal purport of his letter was

to inform them, that Mr. Wickham had resolved on quitting the

militia.

"It was greatly my wish that he should do so," he added, "as soon

as his marriage was fixed on. And I think you will agree with me,

in considering a removal from that corps as highly advisable,

both on his account and my niece's. It is Mr. Wickham's intention

to go into the Regulars; and, among his former friends, there are

still some who are able and willing to assist him in the army. He

has the promise of an ensigncy in General----'s regiment, now

quartered in the north. It is an advantage to have it so far from

this part of the kingdom. He promises fairly; and I hope among

different people, where they may each have a character to

preserve, they will both be more prudent. I have written to

Colonel Forster, to inform him of our present arrangements, and

to request that he will satisfy the various creditors of Mr.

Wickham in and near Brighton with assurances of speedy payment,

for which I have pledged myself.