第76章[第1页/共5页]

“You may possibly wonder why all this was not told you last night; but I was not then master enough of myself to know what could or ought to be revealed.For the truth of everything here related,I can appeal more particularly to the testimony of Colonel Fitzwilliam,who,from our near relationship and constant intimacy, and, still more, as one of the executors of my father's will, has been unavoidably acquainted with every particular of these transactions. If your abhorrence of me should make my assertions valueless,you cannot be prevented by the same cause from confiding in my cousin;and that there may be the possibility of consulting him,I shall endeavour to find some opportunity of putting this letter in your hands in the course of the morning.I will only add,God bless you.

“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 allow―and 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 l