That passage is brilliant. It not only shows the contrast between concern with appearance but I love that the Admiral and Sophy “shifted their quarters” themselves. I’m sure Sir Walter would have a servant move anything that needed moving.

I also love this:

“We told you about the laundry-door at Uppercross. That has been a very great improvement. The wonder was, how any family upon earth could bear with the inconvenience of its opening as it did so long!”