The Duke laughed.
“I thought it was me in that position!”
Before Mr. Hansard could reply, he added,
“I do hope he comes. It may be for the last time.”
His secretary started.
“Are you saying, Your Grace, that you may not have a shoot next year?”
“I am not saying that,” the Duke answered, “for I enjoy shooting, I always have. But it is doubtful, Hansard, if we can afford to put down pheasants or entertain on the scale that we have done on previous occasions.”
Mr. Hansard sighed.
“To be invited to Gore for one of the shooting parties,” he said, “is the ambition of every good game-shot in the country.”
“I am sure it is,” the Duke said dryly, “but I doubt if many of them have any idea of what it costs.”
Now he asked himself how many other things would have to be given up.
Inevitably
