For this, or like it, had been the procedure in Matstead hall ever since Robin could remember, when first he had come from the women to eat his food with the men.
"And how were all at Booth's Edge ?" asked Mr.Audrey, when all had pulled off their boots in country fashion, and were sitting each with his glass beside him.

(Through the door behind came the clamour of the farm-men and the keepers of the chase and the servants, over their food.) "I saw Marjorie only, sir," said the boy.

"Mr.Manners was in Derby, and Mrs.Manners had a megrim." "Mrs.Manners is ageing swifter than her husband," observed Anthony.
There seemed a constraint upon the company this evening.

Robin spoke of his ride, of things which he had seen upon it, of a wood that should be thinned next year; and Anthony made a quip or two such as he was accustomed to make; but the master sat silent for the most part, speaking to the lads once or twice for civility's sake, but no more.

And presently silences began to fall, that were very unusual things in Mr.
Anthony's company, for he had a quick and a gay wit, and talked enough for five.