As it was, he answered with fine suavity.
"There is no true patriot, Sir Felix, but desires an accelerated increase in our population just now, whether male or female.

I trust your good lady's zeal may be rewarded by a speedy recovery." Sir Felix fairly capered.

"Accelerated! Acc--" he began, and, choking over the word, turned and caught sight of the Dragoons as they emerged from the woods, the sunlight flashing on their cuirasses.
He fell back against the pedestal of a leaden effigy of Julius Caesar and plucked his dressing-gown about him with fumbling bewildered hands.

Was the whole British Army pouring into his peaceful park?
What had he done to bring down on his head the sportive mockery of heaven, and at such a moment?
But in the act of collapsing he looked across the balustrade and saw the Major's face suddenly lose its colour.

Then in an instant he understood and pulled himself together.
"Hey?
A hunt breakfast, is it ?" he inquired sardonically, and turned to welcome the approaching troop.