I never gave him the opportunity, and he has been most civil." "Well, in future, just order him to do what you like, and just as if you were landlord, in fact; and if the old man haggles, write to me, and I'll blow him up.

Delighted to have a man of taste like you here, who can improve the place for me." "I assure you, Lord Scoutbush, I need nothing, nor does the place.

I am a man of very few wants." "I wish I were," sighed Scoutbush, pulling out another of Hudson's highest-priced cigars.
"And I am bound to say"-- (and here Elsley choked a little; but the Viscount's frankness and humility had softened him, and he determined to be very magnanimous)--"I am bound in honour, after owing to your kindness such an exquisite retreat--all that either I or Lucia could have fancied for ourselves, and more--not to trouble you by asking for little matters which we really do not need." And so Elsley, instead of simply asking to have the house-drains set right, which Lord Scoutbush would have done upon the spot, chose to be lofty-minded, at the risk of killing his wife and children.
"My dear follow, you really must not 'lord' me any more; I hate it.

I must be plain Scoutbush here among my own people, just as I am in the Guards' mess-room.

And as for owing me any,--really, it is we that are in your debt--to see my sister so happy, and such beautiful children, and so well too--and altogether--and Valencia so delighted with your poems--and, and altogether--" and there Lord Scoutbush stopped, having hoisted, as he considered, the flag of peace once and for all, and very glad that the thing was over.
Elsley was going to say something in return; but his guest turned the conversation as fast as he could.