Later on in the afternoon, when it was nearing sunset, and all other
amusements had given way to the delight of dancing on the springy green
turf to the swinging music of the band,--Briggs, released for a time
from the duties of assisting the waiters at the splendid
refreshment-table (duties which were pleasantly lightened by the
drinking of a bottle of champagne which he was careful to reserve for
his own consumption), sauntered leisurely through the winding alleys and
fragrant shrubberies which led to the most unromantic portion of the
Manor grounds,--namely, the vegetable-garden. Here none of the
butterflies of fashion found their way,--the suggestions offered by
growing cabbages, turnips, beans, and plump, yellow-skinned marrows were
too prosaic for society bantams who require refined surroundings in
which to crow their assertive platitudes. Yet it was a peaceful
nook--and there were household odors of mint and thyme and sweet
marjoram, which were pleasant to the soul of Briggs, and reminded him of
roast goose on Christmas Day, with all its attendant succulent
delicacies.
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