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“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 long survive mine, and within half a year from these events,Mr.Wickham wrote to inform me that,having finally resolved against taking orders,he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some more immediate pecuniary advantage,in lieu of the preferment, by which he could not be benefited.He had some intention,he added,of studying the law,and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds would be a very insufficient support therein.I rather wished,than believed him to be sincere;but,at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede to his proposal. I knew that Mr.Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; the business was therefore soon settled―he resigned all claim to assistance in the church,were it possible that he could ever be in a situation to receive it,and accepted in return three thousand pounds.All connection between us