Tristram of Blent by Antonio Hope

"Yes, madame, an elegant and spacious residence, Filton Park. The photo? Here it is, madame. And Notts is a very eligible county -- socially speaking, remarkably eligible; I've sent several families to Notts. That photo, madame? Hatchley Manor, in Sussex. Yes, good position -- a trifle low perhaps -- I have heard complaints of -- er -- effluvium from the river -- I'm anxious to give you perfect satisfaction, madame. It wouldn't pay me not to. I want you to come back, madame, another summer. I play for the break, if I may so put it -- I beg your pardon! Yes, Birdcup is really a palatial residence -- Hants, yes -- a beautiful county. But between ourselves, madame, his lordship is a little hard to deal with. Dilapidations I refer to, yes -- his lordship is exacting as to dilapidations. On the whole, I should prefer to recommend Winterhurst -- near Maidstone -- a pleasant town, Maidstone, and the clergy, I'm informed, extremely active and sympathetic."

"It's a very ugly house," remarked Madame Zabriska, throwing away the photograph of Winterhurst with a gesture of decided refusal.