the line.

Willy was sensible that the scene was pleasant and pretty, and
remembering he was fond of birds, he thrust his hands deeper in his
pockets and walked slowly down the drive, his toes well turned out. "I
wonder if they met Berkins at church?" was the question he put to
himself gravely. "What a cad he is! No wonder the county people fight
shy of us; a fellow like that is enough to close their doors against
us for ever. My father pooh-poohs everything but riches; he positively
flies in their faces, so what can I do? I don't care to ask my Oxford
friends down here; one never knows how he will receive them. He can
talk of nothing but his business. Had I a free hand, had I not been so
hampered, we might have known all the best county families, even
theduke."

The latch of the gate clicked, and Mr. Brookes and his family
appeared. Maggie and Sally walked on the right and left of their
father; Grace came on behind with Berkins, and it seemed to Willy that
the city magnate bore himself with something even more than his usual
dignity. At first sight he suggested that anomalous creature--a
footman with a beard; and the slow, deliberate enunciation marked him
as one accustomed to speak in public. His manner of sitting at a table
suggested letters and dictation of letters, his manner of moving his
glasses on his nose accounts, and at no moment would it have been
surprising to see him place his strong finger at the bottom of a line
of figures, and begin "Gentlemen," etc.

During lunch, Sally and Maggie spoke in undertones; they glanced
occasionally at Grace, who sat by and received Berkins's bald remarks
with deference. The girls trembled with excitement; they had pressed