If I had been a line of kings a mile long, all in their chariots of state, with gold and silver, and outriders, and music, and banners waving in the wind, I could not have been prouder than when I drew up in front of my house.
There was a wagon-gate at one side of the front fence which had never been used except by the men who brought coal, and I got out and opened this, very quietly, so as not to attract the attention of Euphemia.

It was earlier than I usually returned, and she would not be expecting me.

I was then about to lead the horse up a somewhat grass-grown carriage-way to the front door, but I reflected that Euphemia might be looking out of some of the windows and I had better drive up.

So I got in and drove very slowly to the door.
However, she heard the unaccustomed noise of wheels, and looked out of the parlor window.

She did not see me, but immediately came around to the door.