"Very cold, indeed, but yet we've had beautiful weather.

I don't know when I have enjoyed myself so much altogether as I have at Gatherum Castle." The Duke bowed, and made a little but a vain effort to get on.

"A splendid pile!" said the Major, stretching his hand gracefully towards the building.
"It is a big house," said the Duke.
"A noble mansion;--perhaps the noblest mansion in the three kingdoms," said Major Pountney.

"I have seen a great many of the best country residences in England, but nothing that at all equals Gatherum." Then the Duke made a little effort at progression, but was still stopped by the daring Major.

"By-the-by, your Grace, if your Grace has a few minutes to spare,--just half a minute,--I wish you would allow me to say something." The Duke assumed a look of disturbance, but he bowed and walked on, allowing the Major to walk by his side.