Page:Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1st ed, 1813, vol 3).pdf/326

Rh about three or four hundred a year; but however, do not speak to Mr. Darcy about it, if you had rather not.

"Your's, &c."

As it happened that Elizabeth had much rather not; she endeavoured in her answer to put an end to every intreaty and expectation of the kind. Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practice of what might be called economy in her own private expences, she frequently sent them. It had always been evident to her that such an income as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant in their wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient to their support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane or herself were sure of being applied to, for some little assistance towards discharging their bills. Their manner of living, even when the resto- Rh