Sir Hugh proposed Mr Gwynne and his daughter, the kind and liberal donors of the feast, in a hearty speech, which all understood.

Mr Gwynne did his best to return thanks, but found that he could not get much beyond,--'I feel most grateful for the honour you have done me, but--my feelings--been--and--and--all that sort of thing,' at which point the cheers grew so deafening that he sat down quite overwhelmed, and wished himself in his library.
'So very exciting, so complimentary, so touching,' whispered Lady Mary Nugent to Mr Gwynne.
Rowland was again called upon to exert his eloquence in responding for the Church, which he did in a short, apt speech, duly applauded.
He, in return, proposed the army, coupled with Colonel Vaughan, who--and, he said, he knew he was expressing the thoughts of all present--was heartily welcomed home, and earnestly entreated to remain in his native country.
Colonel Vaughan delighted every one by a most eloquent response.

'Such a grand gentleman, but so humble,' was the general opinion of him.

As for the ladies, they were all in love with him.

Lady Mary Nugent, Freda, Miss Nugent--they had never seen so charming a man.