“When all this was resolved on,he returned again to his friends, who were still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he should be in London once more when the wedding took place, and all money matters were then to receive the last finish.
“Yours,very sincerely,
“They met again on Sunday,and then I saw him too.It was not all settled before Monday:as soon as it was,the express was sent off to Longbourn. But our visitor was very obstinate. I fancy, Lizzy,that obstinacy is the real defect of his character,after all. He has been accused of many faults at different times,but this is the true one.Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself;though I am sure(and I do not speak it to be thanked,therefore say nothing about it),your uncle would most readily have settled the whole.
“But I must write no more.The children have been wanting me this half hour.
“I believe I have now told you every thing.It is a relation which you tell me is to give you great surprise;I hope at least it will not afford you any displeasure.Lydia came to us;and Wickham had constant admission to the house. He was exactly what he had been,when I knew him in Hertfordshire;but I would not tell you how little I was satisfied with her behaviour while she stayed with us,if I had not perceived,by Jane's letter last Wednesday, that her conduct on coming home was exactly of a piece with it, and therefore what I now tell you can give you no fresh pain. I talked to her repeatedly in the most serious manner,representing to her all the wickedness of what she had done, and all the unhappiness she had brought on her family.If she heard me, it was by good luck, for I am sure she did not listen. I was sometimes quite provoked, but then I recollected my dear Elizabeth and Jane,and for their sakes had patience with her.