The little Gardiners, attracted by the sight of a chaise, were standing on the steps of the house, as they entered the paddock; and when the carriage drove up to the door, the joyful surprise that lighted up their faces, and displayed itself over their whole bodies, in a variety of capers and frisks, was the first pleasing earnest of their welcome. [Footnote 243: "Porz d'Espaingne" refers to the passes in the Pyrenees which formed the entrance-ways to Spain.
Cf. 'In short, you apprehend that you will appear to a great disadvantage,' said Mrs Gaskoin.
'That is possible, certainly; but as Major Elliott is only coming for a day or two, I think we might obviate that difficulty, by introducing you as my husband's niece, Fanny Gaskoin. The "Cilician Gates" in Xenophon's "Anabasis".]
What do you say? You can declare yourself whenever you please, or keep the secret till he goes, if you prefer it.'