When they reached the festive scene, the grounds were already thronged.

Mr.Ingram was very proud of his gardens and smoothly-kept lawns.

He hated to see his velvet swards trampled on and made bare by the tread of many feet.

He disliked the pet flowers in his greenhouses being pawed and smelt, and his trim ribbon borders being ruthlessly despoiled.

But on the day of the annual treat he forgot all these prejudices.