human
Yes, indeed, said the bishop,
gpt
I think Suffolk is a very nice county; and as we are only a mile or two from Norfolk, I'll say as much for Norfolk too. 'It's an ill bird that fouls its own nest.'
human
I like a county in which there is something left of county feeling, said Lady Carbury.
gpt
Staffordshire and Warwickshire, Cheshire and Lancashire have become great towns, and have lost all local distinctions.
human
We still keep our name and reputation, said the bishop;
gpt
Silly Suffolk!
human
But that was never deserved.
gpt
As much, perhaps, as other general epithets. I think we are a sleepy people. We've got no coal, you see, and no iron. We have no beautiful scenery, like the lake country,--no rivers great for fishing, like Scotland,--no hunting grounds, like the shires.
human
Partridges!
gpt
Yes; we have partridges, fine churches, and the herring fishery. We shall do very well if too much is not expected of us. We can't increase and multiply as they do in the great cities.
human
I like this part of England so much the best for that very reason. What is the use of a crowded population?
gpt
The earth has to be peopled, Lady Carbury.
human
Oh, yes, said her ladyship, with some little reverence added to her voice, feeling that the bishop was probably adverting to a divine arrangement.
gpt
The world must be peopled; but for myself I like the country better than the town.
human
So do I, said Roger;
gpt
That is so nice,
human
Something left of old English ignorance, said the bishop.
gpt
All the same I dare say we're improving, like the rest of the world. What beautiful flowers you have here, Mr. Carbury! At any rate, we can grow flowers in Suffolk.