What would they say at the great house, if they knew you had done that ?" My answer would no doubt have assumed the form of a foolish compliment, if her father had not spared her that infliction.

He returned to the all-important question, the question of repairs.
"You see, sir, it's no use speaking to the bailiff.

Saving your presence, he's a miser with his master's money.

He says, 'All right,' and he does nothing.

There's first, as I told you just now, the truly dreadful state of the drains----" I tried to stop him by promising to speak to the bailiff myself.