From such a connection she could not wonder that he would shrink.The wish of procuring her regard,which she had assured herself of his feeling in Derbyshire, could not in rational expectation survive such a blow as this. She was humbled, she was grieved;she repented,though she hardly knew of what.She became jealous of his esteem,when she could no longer hope to be benefited by it.She wanted to hear of him,when there seemed the least chance of gaining intelligence.She was convinced that she could have been happy with him,when it was no longer likely they should meet.
Mr. Gardiner soon wrote again to his brother. To Mr. Bennet's acknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagerness to promote the welfare of any of his family;and concluded with entreaties that the subject might never be mentioned to him again.The principal purport of his letter was to inform them that Mr.Wickham had resolved on quitting the militia.