Here they were interrupted by the absolute necessity of Charles's

following the others to admire mirrors and china; but Anne had heard

enough to understand the present state of Uppercross, and rejoice in

its happiness; and though she sighed as she rejoiced, her sigh had none

of the ill-will of envy in it. She would certainly have risen to their

blessings if she could, but she did not want to lessen theirs.

The visit passed off altogether in high good humour. Mary was in

excellent spirits, enjoying the gaiety and the change, and so well

satisfied with the journey in her mother-in-law's carriage with four

horses, and with her own complete independence of Camden Place, that

she was exactly in a temper to admire everything as she ought, and

enter most readily into all the superiorities of the house, as they

were detailed to her. She had no demands on her father or sister, and

her consequence was just enough increased by their handsome

drawing-rooms.

Elizabeth was, for a short time, suffering a good deal. She felt that

Mrs Musgrove and all her party ought to be asked to dine with them; but

she could not bear to have the difference of style, the reduction of

servants, which a dinner must betray, witnessed by those who had been

always so inferior to the Elliots of Kellynch. It was a struggle

between propriety and vanity; but vanity got the better, and then

Elizabeth was happy again. These were her internal persuasions: "Old

fashioned notions; country hospitality; we do not profess to give

dinners; few people in Bath do; Lady Alicia never does; did not even

ask her own sister's family, though they were here a month: and I dare

say it would be very inconvenient to Mrs Musgrove; put her quite out of

her way. I am sure she would rather not come; she cannot feel easy

with us. I will ask them all for an evening; that will be much better;

that will be a novelty and a treat. They have not seen two such

drawing rooms before. They will be delighted to come to-morrow

evening. It shall be a regular party, small, but most elegant." And

this satisfied Elizabeth: and when the invitation was given to the two

present, and promised for the absent, Mary was as completely satisfied.

She was particularly asked to meet Mr Elliot, and be introduced to Lady

Dalrymple and Miss Carteret, who were fortunately already engaged to

come; and she could not have received a more gratifying attention.

Miss Elliot was to have the honour of calling on Mrs Musgrove in the

course of the morning; and Anne walked off with Charles and Mary, to go

and see her and Henrietta directly.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024