Nodiver d.o.o. · Pride & Prejudice · page 336 of 640

Pride & Prejudice – page 336

JANE AUSTEN

me from unfolding his real characterit adds even

another motive.

“My excellent father died about five years ago; and

his attachment to Mr. Wickham was to the last so

steady, that in his will he particularly recommended

it to me, to promote his advancement in the best

manner that his profession might allowand if he took

orders, desired that a valuable family living might be

his as soon as it became vacant. There was also a

legacy of one thousand pounds. His own father did not

long survive mine, and within half a year from these

events, Mr. Wickham wrote to inform me that, having

finally resolved against taking orders, he hoped I should

not think it unreasonable for him to expect some

more immediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the

preferment, by which he could not be benefited. He had

some intention, he added, of studying law, and I must be

aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would

be a very insufficient support therein. I rather wished,

than believed him to be sincere; but, at any rate, was

perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that

Mr. Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; the business

was therefore soon settledhe resigned all claim to

assistance in the church, were it possible that he could

ever be in a situation to receive it, and accepted in

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