Her Ladyship is evidently not aware that persons of distinction surround us, whichever way we turn.

I may instance among others, the Honorable Mr.Hardyman--" Lady Lydiard, in the act of pouring out a second glassful of beer, suddenly set down the jug.
"Who is that you're talking of, Miss Pink ?" "I am talking of our neighbor, Lady Lydiard--the Honorable Mr.
Hardyman." "Do you mean Alfred Hardyman--the man who breeds the horses ?" "The distinguished gentleman who owns the famous stud-farm," said Miss Pink, correcting the bluntly-direct form in which Lady Lydiard had put her question.
"Is he in the habit of visiting here ?" the old lady inquired, with a sudden appearance of anxiety.

"Do you know him ?" "I had the honor of being introduced to Mr.Hardyman at our last flower show," Miss Pink replied.

"He has not yet favored me with a visit." Lady Lydiard's anxiety appeared to be to some extent relieved.
"I knew that Hardyman's farm was in this county," she said; "but I had no notion that it was in the neighborhood of South Morden.

How far away is he--ten or a dozen miles, eh ?" "Not more than three miles," answered Miss Pink.