Fortunately, however, ivy has since covered the greater part of its exterior.
It was in this room--also used as a billiard-room--that Archie Guiseley (Viscount Merefield), and Dick Guiseley, his first cousin, first heard the news of Frank's intentions.
They were both dressed for dinner, and were knocking the balls about for ten minutes, waiting for the gong, and they were talking in that incoherent way characteristic of billiard-players.
"The governor's not very well again," observed Archie, "and the doctor won't let him go up to town.

That's why we're here." Dick missed a difficult cannon (he had only arrived from town himself by the 6.17), and began to chalk his cue very carefully.
"There's nothing whatever to do," continued Archie, "so I warn you." Dick opened his mouth to speak and closed it again, pursing it up precisely as once more he addressed himself to the balls, and this time brought off a really brilliant stroke.
"And he's in a terrible way about Frank," continued the other.

"You've heard all about that ?" Dick nodded.
"And he swears he won't have him home again, and that he can go to the devil." Dick arched his eyebrows interrogatively.
"Of course, he doesn't mean it....

But the gout, you know, and all that....

I think Frank had better keep out of the way, though, for a bit.