'Who has not?' said Lord Nidderdale, another middle-aged young
man, who made one of the company. Again the Major bowed.

'Last season I was always intending to get down to your country
and have a day with the Tiftoes,' said Dolly. 'Don't they call
your hounds the Tiftoes?'

'They shall be called so if you like,' said the Major. 'And why
didn't you come?'

'It always was such a grind.'

'Train down from Paddington every day at 10.30.'

'That's all very well if you happen to be up. Well, Silverbridge,
how's the Prime Minister?'

'How is he, Tifto?' asked the noble partner.

'I don't think there's a man in England just at present enjoying a
very much better state of health,' said the Major pleasantly.

'Safe to run?' asked Dolly.

'Safe to run! Why shouldn't he be safe to run?'

'I means sure to start.'

'I think we mean him to start, don't we, Silverbridge?' said the