第156页 / 共817页

"Indeed!"

"Yes--the late Mr. Darcy bequeathed me the next presentation of

the best living in his gift. He was my godfather, and excessively

attached to me. I cannot do justice to his kindness. He meant to

provide for me amply, and thought he had done it; but when the

living fell, it was given elsewhere."

"Good heavens!" cried Elizabeth; "but how could that be? How

could his will be disregarded? Why did not you seek legal

redress?"