You see, sir, the Herons are proud; they're got cause to be, and I've heard it told that the squire is too proud to let the old family friends see the poverty of the house, and that he hates the new people who bought land and built houses in the place--I'm sure I beg your pardon, sir--I was forgetting for the moment that your father, Sir Stephen, had just built that beautiful place the other side of the lake." Stafford smiled.
"That's all right, Mr.Groves," he said.

"I can quite understand Mr.
Heron thinking it confounded cheek of a stranger to come here and stick up a great white place which no one can fail to see five miles off.

I suppose you think if I were to present myself at the Hall, I should get a very cold reception, eh ?" "I'm afraid you wouldn't get any reception at all, sir," replied Groves, with respectful candour.

"I am afraid neither Mr.Heron nor Miss Ida would see you.

The old butler would just say: 'Not at home,' as he says to the county people when they try and call there, especially if they knew who you were, sir.