Page:Georges Eekhoud - Escal Vigor, a novel.djvu/145



next day but one after the housewarming the Dykgrave paid a visit to the farm, "Les Pèlerins." He arrived there on horseback, preceded by three dusty, barking, Gordon setters. The farmer, who was turning over a break in a neighbouring field, threw aside his spade, and had barely time to slip on his vest over his red flannel shirt; while his daughter did not take the trouble to pull down her sleeves over her arms, which were plump and red. Both ran, in a breathless state, to meet the distinguished visitor, and after a warm welcome, they set to work to do the honours of the farm.

Michael Govaertz had not unduly boasted. The whole establishment, from the dwellinghouse itself down to the smallest outhouses, the stables, stalls, cellars, barn and poultry-yard displayed order, opulence, and a rough sort of comfort.