None of the Ministers had of course been able to leave the swollen pouches which are always sent out from London on Saturday night, probably,--we cannot but think,--as arranged excuses for such defalcation, and had passed their mornings comfortably dozing over new novels.

The Duke, always right in his purpose but generally wrong in his practice, had stayed at home working all the morning, thereby scandalising the strict, and had gone to church alone in the afternoon, thereby offending the social.
The church was close to the house, and he had gone back to change his coat and hat, and to get his stick.

But as he was stealing out of the little side-gate, Sir Orlando was down upon him.

"If your Grace is going for a walk, and will admit of company, I shall be delighted to attend you," said Sir Orlando.

The Duke professed himself to be well pleased, and in truth was pleased.