The essay describes the relationship between the narrator and his housekeeper, Bridget Elia, who have been living together for a long time. They have a comfortable coexistence as old bachelor and maid, with occasional disagreements but overall harmony. They have different reading preferences, with the narrator enjoying old and quirky literature while Bridget prefers modern tales with engaging plots.
The narrator and Bridget have differing opinions on what constitutes good literature, with the narrator appreciating oddities and quirks in writing while Bridget prefers more conventional and relatable stories. Despite their differences, they both have a tendency to be stubborn in their beliefs, but the narrator often finds himself swayed by Bridget’s moral reasoning in the end.
Bridget is described as having some faults, such as reading in company without fully understanding the conversation, and occasionally lacking presence of mind in trivial situations. Her education was not focused on traditional accomplishments, but rather on extensive reading of classic English literature, which the narrator believes has shaped her into a remarkable individual.
The narrator and Bridget made a trip to Hertfordshire to visit their relatives. They visited Mackery End, an old farmhouse that held sentimental value for them. The farmhouse was now occupied by a family named Gladman, who were related to the narrator’s grandmother.
Bridget easily recognized the place and explored it with excitement, while the narrator felt a sense of familiarity but couldn’t fully remember. They were warmly welcomed by the youngest Gladman, who had married into the Bruton family. The Brutons were known for their beauty, but the narrator found the adopted Bruton to be the most attractive.
The ties of kinship were strong in Hertfordshire, and the narrator and Bridget quickly formed a close bond with their relatives. They were introduced to other members of the Gladman family and were received with kindness and warmth.
Bridget’s memory was triggered by the reunion, and she recalled many forgotten details and people from their past. The narrator expresses gratitude for the hospitality and fondly remembers their time together at Mackery End.
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