A small sum could not do all this." "No," said her father; "Wickham's a fool if he takes her with a farthing less than ten thousand pounds.

I should be sorry to think so ill of him, in the very beginning of our relationship." "Ten thousand pounds! Heaven forbid! How is half such a sum to be repaid ?" Mr.Bennet made no answer, and each of them, deep in thought, continued silent till they reached the house.

Their father then went on to the library to write, and the girls walked into the breakfast-room.
"And they are really to be married!" cried Elizabeth, as soon as they were by themselves.

"How strange this is! And for _this_ we are to be thankful.

That they should marry, small as is their chance of happiness, and wretched as is his character, we are forced to rejoice.