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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 entrance of 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.