Mr.Slope knew that the gable-ends and old brick chimneys which stood up so prettily in the moonlight were those of Mr.
Harding's late abode, and would not have stopped on such a spot, in such company, if he could have avoided it; but Miss Stanhope would not take the hint which he tried to give.
"This is a very pretty place, Mrs.Bold," said Charlotte; "by far the prettiest place near Barchester.

I wonder your father gave it up." It was a very pretty place, and now by the deceitful light of the moon looked twice larger, twice prettier, twice more antiquely picturesque than it would have done in truth-telling daylight.

Who does not know the air of complex multiplicity and the mysterious interesting grace which the moon always lends to old gabled buildings half-surrounded, as was the hospital, by fine trees! As seen from the bridge on the night of which we are speaking, Mr.Harding's late abode did look very lovely, and though Eleanor did not grieve at her father's having left it, she felt at the moment an intense wish that he might be allowed to return.
"He is going to return to it almost immediately, is he not ?" asked Bertie.
Eleanor made no immediate reply.

Many such a question passes unanswered without the notice of the questioner, but such was not now the case.

They all remained silent as though expecting her to reply, and after a moment or two, Charlotte said, "I believe it is settled that Mr.Harding returns to the hospital, is it not ?" "I don't think anything about it is settled yet," said Eleanor.
"But it must be a matter of course," said Bertie; "that is, if your father wishes it.