The Major was a year or two older than the Captain, and therefore less willing even than his friend to admit the claims of new comers to social honours.
Just at this moment the Duchess walked across the ground up to the shooters, accompanied by Mrs.Finn and Lady Chiltern.

She had not been seen in the gardens before that day, and of course a little concourse was made round her.

The Major and the Captain, who had been driven away by the success of Ferdinand Lopez, returned with their sweetest smiles.

Mr.Boffin put down his treatise on the nature of Franchises, which he was studying in order that he might lead an opposition against the Ministry next Session, and even Sir Timothy Beeswax, who had done his work with Sir Orlando, joined the throng.
"Now I do hope," said the Duchess, "that you are all shooting by the new code.

That is, and is to be, the Gatherum Archery Code, and I shall break my heart if anybody rebels." "There are one or two men," said Major Pountney very gravely, "who won't take the trouble to understand it." "Mr.Lopez," said the Duchess, pointing with her finger at our friend, "are you that rebel ?" "I fear I did suggest--" began Mr.Lopez.
"I will have no suggestions,--nothing but obedience.