Elizabeth could safely say that it was a great happiness where that was the case, and with equal sincerity could add, that she firmly believed and rejoiced in his domestic comforts. She was not sorry,however,to have the recital of them interrupted by the lady from whom they sprang.Poor Charlotte!it was melancholy to leave her to such society!But she had chosen it with her eyes open; and though evidently regretting that her visitors were to go,she did not seem to ask for compassion.Her home and her housekeeping,her parish and her poultry,and all their dependent concerns,had not yet lost their charms.
“Good gracious!”cried Maria, after a few minutes' silence,“it seems but a day or two since we first came! and yet how many things have happened!”
Elizabeth added privately,“And how much I shall have to conceal!”
“But,”he added,“you will of course wish to have your humble respects delivered to them, with your grateful thanks for their kindness to you while you have been here.”
“A great many indeed,”said her companion with a sigh.
“It gives me great pleasure to hear that you have passed your time not disagreeably. We have certainly done our best; and most fortunately having it in our power to introduce you to very superior society, and, from our connection with Rosings, the frequent means of varying the humble home scene, I think we may flatter ourselves that your Hunsford visit cannot have been entirely irksome.Our situation with regard to Lady Catherine's family is indeed the sort of extraordinary advantage and blessing which few can boast.You see on what a footing we are.You see how continually we are engaged there. In truth I must acknowledge that, with all the disadvantages of this humble parsonage, I should not think anyone abiding in it an object of compassion,while they are sharers of our intimacy at Rosings.”