After breakfast the next morning, the ladies of the party sauntered about the garden and grounds. An easy-chair, a cigar, and The Times supplied the Honorable Mark’s requirements. Sir Reginald, declining Geoffrey’s challenge to a game of tennis, repaired to the library to write letters.
Alice having done the honours of the garden and shown Helen the most reliable fruit trees, ran back to the house for a basket, in order to gather some plums for dessert. In returning, she nearly came into collision with her husband at the garden-gate. Very much to her surprise he accosted her, saying:
“Alice, the carriage-horses and cobs will be here this evening. I beg that you will not send them away again.”
“But they are of no use to me, really. Auntie has her ponies, and I never drive.”
“But for the use of your visitors, and returning calls, a carriage is indispensable.”
“I never have any visitors, nor have I any calls to return.”
“Pray why not?”
“No one has called on me. Is not that an excellent excuse?”
“Am I to understand that you have no acquaintances?”
“With the exception of the clergyman’s family and the Ruffords, who live at the other end of the county, and the Grantleys, who are abroad—I may say, none.”