There was a rattling of wheels up the driveway, and the great hall doors were heard to open.
"Some of our guests have arrived," remarked Mr. Windsor. "I hope that Jawkins has made all his arrangements for their reception."
Just then the door opened and Mr. Jawkins entered carefully dressed. His manner was quiet and his voice subdued, as if he were whispering in a cathedral, as he said:
"Their Graces the Duke and Duchess have done you the honor of coming under your roof, Mr. Windsor. They are very much fatigued by their journey, and have retired to their apartments."
"We shall meet them at Philippi before the action, shall we not?" asked Miss Windsor.
"Yes, and meanwhile I shall do everything that I can for the comfort of your guests and the arrangement of the house. Believe me, I deeply feel the gravity of the situation," he continued, as he bowed himself out of the room.
"And so do I," said Mr. Windsor to his daughter. "I would rather face an army of irate stockholders than our guests this evening."