The village had entered into it with great spirit, and some wonderful specimens of fruit, vegetables, poultry and rabbits had been exhibited.
"The best part of it was that Rusher, my own gardener, was beaten badly in every class," put in Sir Philip, with a smile.
"Not in every class," corrected Miss Heredith.

"The peaches and nectarines from the walled garden were awarded first prize." "Rusher was beaten in the vegetable classes--in giant vegetable marrows and cabbages," retorted Sir Philip, with a chuckle.

"He hasn't got over it yet.

He suspects the vicar of favouritism in awarding the prizes.

The fact that his daughter won first prize for rabbits with a giant Belgian did little to console him." "And we raised quite a respectable sum for the Red Cross by charging threepence admission to see a stuffed menagerie of Phil's," added Miss Heredith.
"A stuffed menagerie! What a curious thing," remarked a young lady.
"Not quite a menagerie," said Sir Philip.