“I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out,if possible,from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment, whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be likely to know in what part of town he has now concealed himself. If there were anyone that one could apply to with a probability of gaining such a clue as that,it might be of essential consequence. At present we have nothing to guide us. Colonel Forster will, I dare say,do everything in his power to satisfy us on this head.But, on second thoughts,perhaps,Lizzy could tell us what relations he has now living,better than any other person.”
She had never heard of his having had any relations, except a father and mother,both of whom had been dead many years.It was possible,however,that some of his companions in the―shire might be able to give more information;and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it,the application was a something to look forward to.
Elizabeth was at no loss to understand from whence this deference to her authority proceeded; but it was not in her power to give any information of so satisfactory a nature as the compliment deserved.
The whole party were in hopes of a letter from Mr.Bennet the next morning,but the post came in without bringing a single line from him.His family knew him to be,on all common occasions, a most negligent and dilatory correspondent;but at such a time they had hoped for exertion.They were forced to conclude that he had no pleasing intelligence to send; but even of that they would have been glad to be certain.Mr.Gardiner had waited only for the letters before he set off.