We were near neighbours, though we did not live in a town.

I resolved to "drop in" at the Rectory.
It was a lovely morning, and Rubens and I quite enjoyed our walk.

He became so much excited that it was with difficulty that I withheld him from chasing the ducks on the pond in Mr.Andrewes' farm-yard, as we went through it.

(The parson had a little farm attached to his Rectory.) Then I with difficulty unlatched the heavy gate leading into the drive, and fastened it again with the scrupulous care of a country squire's son.

The grounds were exquisitely kept.