"In company he is. But he always says he could never do with a talking wife. He must have quiet at home. You go out to gossip, he affirms; you come home to read and reflect."
"Mrs. Matthewson lived but a few years after her marriage, I think I have heard?"
"About five years."
"Well, my dear," pursued Mrs. Pryor, rising to go, "I trust it is understood that you will frequently come to Fieldhead. I hope you will. You must feel lonely here, having no female relative in the house; you must necessarily pass much of your time in solitude."

"In company he is. But he always says he could never do with a talking wife. He must have quiet at home."
"Mrs. Matthewson lived only a few years after her marriage, I believe?"
"About five years."
"Well, my dear," pursued Mrs. Pryor, rising to go, "I hope you will frequently come to Fieldhead. You must feel lonely here, having no female relative in the house; you must pass much of your time alone."
