In ch.7 we read something about Sir John which I donīt quite understand: In shewing kindness to his cousins, therefore, he had the real satisfaction of a good heart; and in settling a family of females only in his cottage, he had all the satisfaction of a sportsman; for a sportsman, though he esteems only those of his sex who are sportsmen likewise, is not often desirous of encouraging their taste by admitting them to a residence within his own manor.
I gather that by "sportsman" JA means "hunter". Does that mean that hunters are very particular - they only like men who hunt also, but their estimation for them has itīs limitations: they wouldnīt invite them to live in their vicinity, as they donīt want to share the prey with them!? Is JA just being ironic here or is there a deeper meaning in that sentence? I hope I could make myself clear...