He understood clearly that though they were gathered together then at Gatherum Castle for festive purposes, yet that no time was unfit for the discussion of State matters.

Does not all the world know that when in autumn the Bismarcks of the world, or they who are bigger than Bismarcks, meet at this or that delicious haunt of salubrity, the affairs of the world are then settled in little conclaves, with greater ease, rapidity, and certainty than in large parliaments or the dull chambers of public offices?
Emperor meets Emperor, and King meets King, and as they wander among rural glades in fraternal intimacy, wars are arranged, and swelling territories are enjoyed in anticipation.

Sir Orlando hitherto had known all this, but had hardly as yet enjoyed it.

He had been long in office, but these sweet confidences can of their very nature belong only to a very few.

But now the time had manifestly come.
It was Sunday afternoon, and Sir Orlando caught the Duke in the very act of leaving the house for his walk.