Up to the terrace, though it was very high, there ran a road, constructed upon arches, so that grand guests could drive almost into the house.

The Duke, who was never grand himself, as he stood there looking at the far-stretching view before him, could not remember that he had ever but once before placed himself on that spot.

Of what use had been the portico, and the marbles, and the huge pile of stone,--of what use the enormous hall just behind him, cutting the house in two, declaring aloud by its own aspect and proportions that it had been built altogether for show and in no degree for use or comfort?
And now as he stood there he could already see that men were at work about the place, that ground had been moved here, and grass laid down there, and a new gravel road constructed in another place.

Was it not possible that his friends should be entertained without all these changes in the gardens?
Then he perceived the tents, and descending from the terrace and turning to the left towards the end of the house he came upon a new conservatory.

The exotics with which it was to be filled were at this moment being brought in on great barrows.