“And when we reached the top of the pass,” said Mr. Samgrass, “we heard the galloping horses behind, and two soldiers rode up to the head of the caravan and turned us back.  The General had sent them, and they reached us only just in time.  There was a band, not a mile ahead.”

He paused and his small audience sat silent, conscious that he had sought to impress them but in doubt as to how they could politely show their interest.

“A band?” said Julia.  ”Goodness!”

Still, he seemd to expect more.  At last Lady Marchmain said, “I suppose the sort of folk-music you get in those parts is very monotonous.”

Brideshead Revisited