“We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side,”said Jane:“I hope and trust they will yet be happy. His consenting to marry her is a proof,I will believe,that he is come to a right way of thinking.Their mutual affection will steady them;and I flatter myself they will settle so quietly,and live in so rational a manner,as may in time make their past imprudence forgotten.”
“Well,”cried her mother,“it is all very right; who should do it but her own uncle? If he had not had a family of his own, I and my children must have had all his money,you know;and it is the first time we have ever had anything from him, except a few presents.Well!I am so happy!In a short time I shall have a daughter married.Mrs.Wickham!How well it sounds!And she was only sixteen last June.My dear Jane,I am in such a flutter, that I am sure I can't write;so I will dictate,and you write for me. We will settle with your father about the money afterwards;but the things should be ordered immediately.”
“If we were ever able to learn what Wickham's debts have been,”said Elizabeth,“and how much is settled on his side on our sister, we shall exactly know what Mr. Gardiner has done for them, because Wickham has not sixpence of his own.The kindness of my uncle and aunt can never be requited.Their taking her home, and affording her their personal protection and countenance, is such a sacrifice to her advantage as years of gratitude cannot enough acknowledge. By this time she is actually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now,she will never deserve to be happy!What a meeting for her,when she first sees my aunt!”