Coat buttoned tight, silk hat the veriest trifle on one side, one glove on and its mate carried with the cane in the other hand, and the buttonhole bouquet--always the bouquet--as fresh and bright and jaunty as its wearer himself.
It seemed that every housekeeper whose dwelling happened to be situated along that portion of the main road had business in the front yard at the time of the Major's passing.

There were steps to be swept, or rugs to be shaken, or doorknobs to be polished just at that particular time.
Dialogues like the following interrupted the triumphal progress at three minute intervals: "Good-morning, Mrs.Sogberry.

GOOD-morning.

A delightful morning.

Busy as the proverbial bee once more, I see.