ng usage, they had come to regard as their own.
These prescriptive rights were so well understood that the frequenters
of Tilney no more thought of disturbing them than they would of
contesting their neighbors' title-deeds, or appropriating to themselves
some portions of their wardrobes. Occasionally, however, it did
happen that some guest of more than ordinary pretension
arrived,--some individual whose rank or station placed him above these
conventionalities,--and in such cases some deviations from ordinary
routine would occur, but so quietly and peacefully withal as never to
disturb the uniform working of the domestic machinery.

"I find my rooms always ready for me here," said Mrs. Trafford; "and
I have no doubt that Mrs. Maxwell has given orders about yours, Mr.
Maitland; but it's your own fault, remember, if you 're not lodged to
your liking."

Maitland was not long in making his choice. A little garden pavilion,
which was connected with the house by a glass corridor, suited him
perfectly; it combined comfort and quiet and isolation,--who could ask
for more?--within an easy access of society when it was wanted. There
was the vast old garden, as much orchard and shrubbery as garden,
to stroll in unobserved; and a little bathroom into which the water
trickled all day long with a pleasant drip, drip, that sounded most
soothingly.

"It's the Commodore's favorite place, sir, this garden-house," said the
butler, who did the honors to Maitland, "and it's only a chance that
he's not here to claim it. There was some mistake about his invitation,
and I suppose he's not coming."

"Yes, I passed him a couple of miles off; he 'll be here almost
immediately."

"We 'll put him up on the second floor, sir; the rooms are all newly
done up, and very handsome."

"I 'm sorry if I inconvenience him, Mr. Raikes," said Maitland,
languidly; "but I've got here now, and I'm tired, and my traps are half
taken out; and, in fact, I should be sorrier still to have to change.
You understand me,--don't you?"

"Perfectly, sir; and my mistress, too, gave orders that you were to have
any room you pleased; and your own hours, too, for everything."

"She is most kind. When can I pay my respects to her?"

"Before dinner, sir, is the usual time. All the new company meet her in
the drawing-room. Oh, there's the Commodore now; I hear his voice, and I
declare they 're bringing his trunks here, after all I said."

The old sailor was now heard,