“That’s a fine place of yours. Chimneys,” remarked the great man.

“I’m glad you liked it,” said Bundle meekly.

“Wants new plumbing,” said Sir Oswald. “Bring it up to date, you know.”

He ruminated for a minute or two.

“I’m taking the Duke of Alton’s place. Three years. Just while I’m looking round for a place of my own. Your father couldn’t sell if he wanted to, I suppose?”

Bundle felt her breath taken away. She had a nightmare vision of England with innumerable Cootes in innumerable counterparts of Chimneys⁠—all, be it understood, with an entirely new system of plumbing installed.