Vestné had told me this water separated their estate from that of a neighbouring kinsman, and I had seen that the grounds beyond were very similar, as were also the spires and turrets which I at times perceived among the trees. Plucritus opened the gate easily, and when we had gone through shut it carefully. “These are the grounds of a near relative and friend of mine,” he explained. “When we planned our houses we arranged our dungeons so that he should take one class of prisoners and I the other. We have passages leading underground, very beautifully decorated, but I thought we would come as we have done, because this is a scene and a time I like.” Similar terraces led us to the palace, and as we drew near we heard sounds of revelry and music coming from its lighted halls. Many doors and windows stood wide open, so that we could clearly hear the noise within. “Now look here,” said I, standing at the bottom of a flight of steps. “I hope you still remember my apparel. If I go in there in this state I must be given a few minutes first in which to prepare myself for an all-round onslaught.” Plucritus stood still and laughed. “You’re a confounded nuisance,” cried he. “I would say a ‘damned’ nuisance, but the critics would pronounce me ‘forcibly feeble.’” “Beware of the critics,” I advised. “They are like children sitting in the market-place.” “How so?” “They are never right. Nothing pleases them.” “You never tried them with butter and sugar mixed.” “Indeed I did.” “No, you introduced vinegar.” “Pardon me, vinegar is the correct thing. It is good for the chest.” “It isn’t a case of what’s _good_ for them. It’s what they _like_.” “I see. But certainly butter and sugar and vinegar are the correct thing.” “Offer them sackcloth.” “Indeed, I have done so, and fine linen into the bargain.” “Well?” “Oh, well, they returned the linen with thanks, mistaking it for calico, and the sackcloth they sent back with rude remarks.” “Did they mistake it for anything?” “Yes. I believe they thought the rude remarks were clever ones. But that is pardonable. It is often difficult to ascend to sackcloth, even when one can descend to ermine.” “Well, let us go together. You will notice I have accommodated my raiment to yours.” “You still wear armour,” I went on, looking at the simple robe he now wore. “It is impossible to get rid of it at so short a notice, but it is unseen. Come.” And so we came to the entrance. This place perhaps belongs to the brother of whom Vestné had spoken, for many servants in rich livery thronged the halls, which otherwise just now were empty. “Come along,” said Plucritus. “It’s all I can do to keep my face straight passing through here, there’s so much mockery and unreal sham about it.” “Cruelty and humiliation,” I criticised. “Now, don’t preach, Genius. Considering I have had the kindness to descend to your level in the matter of dress, you might descend to mine in the matter of feeling.”