He felt out of place, and in some way lowered in his own esteem, and yet he despised the rural retirement and beauty about him.
Felix and Oliver, a few yards distant, were waiting with rising tempers.
The spectacle of the Baron in his native might of physique, humbly standing, hat in hand, before this Court messenger, discoursing on cherries, and offering flowers and fruit, filled them with anger and disgust.

The affected gesture and subdued voice of the courtier, on the other hand, roused an equal contempt.
As Lord John turned, he saw them.

He did not quite guess their relationship, but supposed they were cadets of the house, it being customary for those in any way connected to serve the head of the family.

He noted the flag basket in Felix's hand, and naturally imagined that he had been at work.
"You have been to-to plough, eh ?" he said, intending to be very gracious and condescending.

"Very healthy employment.