“Dear madam,”cried Mrs. Hill, in great astonishment,“don't you know there is an express come for master from Mr.Gardiner? He has been here this half-hour,and master has had a letter.”
And so saying,he turned back with them,and walked towards the house.
“I dislike it very much,”he replied;“but it must be done.”
“I mean,that no man in his proper senses would marry Lydia on so slight a temptation as one hundred a year during my life,and fifty after I am gone.”
“Complied with!I am only ashamed of his asking so little.”
“Is it possible?”cried Elizabeth,when she had finished.“Can it be possible that he will marry her?”
“Money!My uncle!”cried Jane,“what do you mean,sir?”
“Yes I have had a letter from him by express.”
“And have you answered the letter?”cried Elizabeth.
“Oh, papa, what news―what news? Have you heard from my uncle?”
“Oh!my dear father,”she cried,“come back and write immediately. Consider how important every moment is in such a case.”
“That is very true,”said Elizabeth;“though it had not occurred to me before.His debts to be discharged,and something still to remain!Oh!it must be my uncle's doings!Generous,good man,I am afraid he has distressed himself.A small sum could not do all this.”
Jane,who was not so light nor so much in the habit of running as Elizabeth, soon lagged behind, while her sister, panting for breath,came up with him,and eagerly cried out: