I think I heard Mr.Plummey, the butler, say he declined.' 'So much the better,' growled Jack, throwing off his purple-lapped coat in commencement of his toilette.

As the two dressed they discussed the point how Pacey might be done.
When our friends got downstairs it was evident there was a great spread.
Two red-plushed footmen stood on guard in the entrance, helping the arrivers out of their wraps, while a buzz of conversation sounded through the partially opened drawing-room door, as Mr.Plummey stood, handle in hand, to announce the names of the guests.

Our friends, having the entree, of course passed in as at home, and mingled with the comers and stayers.
Guest after guest quickly followed, almost all making the same observation, namely, that it was a fine day for the time of year, and then each sidled off, rubbing his hands, to the fire.

Captain Guano monopolized about one-half of it, like a Colossus of Rhodes, with a coat-lap under each arm.

He seemed to think that, being a stayer, he had more right to the fire than the mere diners.
Mr.Puffington moved briskly among the motley throng, now expatiating on the splendour of the run, now hoping a friend was hungry, asking a third after his wife, and apologizing to a fourth for not having called on his sister.