All things are comparative.

After the lost loneliness of Klaas's farm, even brand-new Salisbury seemed busy and bustling.
I hurried on, ill at ease.

But Tant Mettie would, doubtless, have a cup of tea ready for me as soon as I arrived, and Hilda would be waiting at the gate to welcome me.
I reached the stone enclosure, and passed up through the flower-garden.
To my great surprise, Hilda was not there.

As a rule, she came to meet me, with her sunny smile.

But perhaps she was tired, or the sun on the road might have given her a headache.