A ramble of indefinite duration was, in his present frame of mind, much more attractive than the eloquence of independent members.

He determined to take a holiday.
A very leisurely stroll across the park brought him to the King's Arms, and the sight of the hostelry suggested pleasant thoughts of sundry refreshing viands and cooling liquors.

He entered and lunched.

It was a holiday, and a truant holiday; he allowed himself champagne.

When he came forth again, his intention to stroll through the galleries of the Palace had given way before the remembered shadow of the chestnuts; he returned to the park, and, after idly watching the fish in the shallow water of the round lake, strayed away into cool retreats, where the grass irresistibly invited to recumbency.