"Yes, sir," said the footman. "Look here, Lloyd," said Trevor, as the butler came into the room, "you made a mistake about that claret. See that the other wine is right; and if not, change it." The butler looked aghast and hurried out, to return in a few minutes with a basket of bottles, which he changed for those already in the room. Trevor said no more, but he was evidently making up his mind to suppress the mutiny with a high hand on the morrow; for, as the dinner went on, he became aware that in many little things his orders had been departed from. There was a paucity of plate, when an abundance lay in the chests; the dinner was good, by stretching a point, but not such as would please men accustomed to the _chefs_ of Pall Mall; and when at last the coffee was brought in it was of the most economical quality. "There," said Trevor, "I'll set all right to-morrow, I'm very sorry, Vanleigh; but things are all sixes and sevens here. Pratt, pass the claret. Landells, try that port." "Never drink port, dear boy," said the Baronet. "Then let's go into the billiard-room; or what do you say, Van--would you prefer my room and a rubber?" "Don't much care for billiards to-night," said Vanleigh. "By the way, though," he said, "will your estimable housekeeper permit smoking in the dining-room." "Oh, come, Van," said Sir Felix, "don't be hard on your host." "Shall I ring for cigars, Dick?" said Pratt, reaching out his hand. "Do, please," was the reply. "Smoke where you like, gentlemen, and make yourselves at home. I don't want to be hard on the old people. You see, it's a particular case. I've been away for years. I left a boy, and they have had it all their own way. Oh, Lloyd, bring in the cigar boxes, and brandy and soda." "Here, sir?" said the butler, hesitating. "Here? Yes, here directly," said Trevor; and he looked annoyed as he caught a glance passing from Vanleigh to Sir Felix. "It's all right, Dick," said Pratt. "It's a nice estate, but weedy. Pull 'em up, one at a time." "By the way, Van," said Sir Felix, "didn't tell Trevor of our 'venture." "No," said Vanleigh, kicking at his friend beneath the table; "been so taken up with other things. Brought home some neighbours of yours-- without leave--in the waggonette." "Neighbours--without leave?" said Trevor, passing the claret. "We are all ears." "Some of us," muttered Pratt, glancing at Sir Felix, and then looking perfectly innocent. "Neighbours of yours--a Sir Hampton Court." "No, no--Weir or Here, or name of that sort," said Sir Felix. "Carriage broke down--two daughters--deuced fine girls, too." "Vewy," said Sir Felix, arranging his gummy moustache. "Good heavens!" exclaimed Trevor. "No one hurt?" "Calm yourself, my friend," said Vanleigh, proceeding in a most unruffled way. "The ladies were uninjured, and we--" "Brought back--home," said Sir Felix, feebly.