But of late gout, lumbago, and perhaps also some diminution in his powers of making himself generally agreeable, had reconciled him to domestic duties, and the earl spent much of his time at home.

The countess, in former days, had been heard to complain of her lord's frequent absence.

But it is hard to please some women,--and now she would not always be satisfied with his presence.
And all the sons and daughters were there,--excepting Lord Porlock, the eldest, who never met his father.

The earl and Lord Porlock were not on terms, and indeed hated each other as only such fathers and such sons can hate.

The Honourable George de Courcy was there with his bride, he having lately performed a manifest duty, in having married a young woman with money.