When the horse was safely stalled, Scott and the earl came out into the yard.
"Shall we go into the house?" asked Scott.
"No, we might be in the way. Here is a fence rail. We can sit upon that."
"You are making yourself very democratic," Scott said.
"Why should I not be?"
"Our new acquaintance, Mr. Alderman Burton, would be surprised to see you sitting on a fence rail."
"I shouldn't do it before him. I should keep up my dignity, or he might be shocked."
"What do you think he asked me last evening, when you were out of the room?"
"What was it?"
"He asked me if you ever dined with the queen?"