"Has she?" he said absently.
"I said '66,' which is of neither sex," said Hank. "This fellow——"
"Oh, it's a man, is it?" said the Duke—brightening up; "what sort of a man, who is he?"
Hank touched a bell and the grave man servant appeared.
"Who is the visitor next door?" demanded the Duke.
"A Captain Tanneur, m'lord; militia; and the son of Sir Harry Tanneur who is related to No. 66."
"You've been gossiping with the servants," accused the Duke.
"Yes, m'lord," said the man without hesitation.
"Quite right," said the duke approvingly. When the servant was gone he asked—
"Do you ever pine for the wilds, Hank, the limitless spread of the prairies, and the twinkling stars at night?"