In looking into these cottages, the young ladies as they passed were under the necessity of speaking to some of the inhabitants, and when the poor people heard what was the object of their search, they broke forth very eloquently in praise of Penelope, and they expressed themselves very greatly delighted that the good young lady had come to reside amongst them again. This commendatory language was very acceptable and agreeable to the daughters of the rector of Neverden, and therefore they listened to it very cordially and attentively. And they enquired whether Penelope was still in the habit of visiting the cottages as before, and the poor people gratefully and pleasedly acknowledged that she was, and that her liberality was greater than ever. But the recipients of voluntary bounties are sometimes inclined to be jealous, and especially of any new invader of what they almost think to be their right. While therefore they spoke in praise of Miss Primrose, they could not help speaking rather censoriously of what they called “a strange creter as nobody knows,” who had recently taken up his abode at Smatterton, having been passed there to his parish. And they said that Miss Primrose was quite as good to that old man as to any of the poor who had lived all their life in Smatterton. They added also, that very likely Miss Primrose might be found there, for she generally called at that cottage every day. At this information the young ladies hastened to the place to which they were directed. “Cottage” is a very pretty word; it sounds very well, makes a charming picture, and presents to a fertile and creative imagination many pleasing associations and images. And perhaps to some fancies it might be more delectable to dwell in a cottage than in a castle. But the cottage of an absolutely poor and destitute family--the cottage into which the overseers of a country parish put the dependents on the parish rates--is not altogether the most pleasing object either to its inmates or to the casual spectator. To a cottage of this description the young ladies now approached.