"Who is that? There is some one who wishes an audience with me! I'll see no one."
"Ah," a man's voice announced from the curtains, "but I have come to tell you of something new, Lady Harriet!"
"You? Sir Tristram? Is there anything new under the sun? If you really have something to suggest that is worth hearing, you may come in."
"Listen, ladies! and tell me if I haven't conceived a clever thought. The fair is on at Richmond——"
"Well—it is always on, isn't it?"
"Oh, no, ladies. Only once a year—this is the time. There is a fair and there are cock-fights——"
"Ah—that sounds rather thrilling."
"And donkeys——"
"Oh, there are always donkeys—always!" the ladies cried, looking hopelessly at poor Sir Tristram.
"I mean real donkeys," the poor man explained patiently.