To complete the favourable impression,she then told him what Mr. Darcy had voluntarily done for Lydia. He heard her with astonishment.
“This is an evening of wonders, indeed!And so, Darcy did every thing;made up the match,gave the money,paid the fellow's debts, and got him his commission! So much the better. It will save me a world of trouble and economy.Had it been your uncle's doing,I must and would have paid him;but these violent young lovers carry every thing their own way.I shall offer to pay him to-morrow;he will rant and storm about his love for you,and there will be an end of the matter.”
Elizabeth's mind was now relieved from a very heavy weight;and,after half an hour's quiet reflection in her own room,she was able to join the others with tolerable composure.Every thing was too recent for gaiety,but the evening passed tranquilly away;there was no longer anything material to be dreaded,and the comfort of ease and familiarity would come in time.
“My dearest child,”she cried,“I can think of nothing else!Ten thousand a year, and very likely more! 'Tis as good as a Lord! And a special licence.You must and shall be married by a special licence. But my dearest love, tell me what dish Mr. Darcy is particularly fond of,that I may have it to-morrow.”