Sir Orlando's Policy When the guests began to arrive our friend the Duchess had apparently got through her little difficulties, for she received them with that open, genial hospitality which is so delightful as coming evidently from the heart.

There had not been another word between her and her husband as to the manner in which the thing was to be done, and she had determined that the offensive word should pass altogether out of her memory.

The first comer was Mrs.Finn,--who came indeed rather as an assistant hostess than as a mere guest, and to her the Duchess uttered a few half-playful hints as to her troubles.

"Considering the time, haven't we done marvels?
Because it does look nice,--doesn't it?
There are no dirt heaps about, and it's all as green as though it had been there since the Conquest.

He doesn't like it because it looks new.