Now that we near the end of the story, I'm still puzzling over Mr. Wickham's motives for running off with Lydia Bennet. Here are some issues:

1) Why would Wickham, who is in desperate need of money, run off with Lydia, who is never likely to have any?

2) Would Wickham run off with Lydia for the sole purpose of sexual gratification? Darcy's intervention notwithstanding, do you think he ever meant to marry Lydia, but intended to abandon her at a later date? (This is close to my current opinion)

3) Could there be ulterior motives imputed to Wickham's decision besides the above two? (revenge? strategic? extorting a living?)

4) Does Wickham have a plan at all or did he just act on impulse, of course, with the encouragement of Lydia?