Soon before
us rose stately parapet, battlement and turret above the green of
trees ancient like itself, a mighty structure, its frowning grimness
softened by years. Diana viewed massive wall and tower with eyes of
delighted wonder, then suddenly turned to clasp the hand of the
slender, shabby figure beside her.
"Poor old soul, no wonder you were lonely!" she sighed, whereupon the
Earl smiled a little wistfully and stooped to kiss her sunburnt
fingers in his stately fashion.
The carriage stopping, behold the sedate Atkinson (who manifested not
the least surprise at our incongruous appearance) a square-shouldered,
square-faced person he, whose features wore an air of resolution,
notwithstanding his soft voice and deferential ways.
At a word from the Earl he ushered us in by a side entrance, through a
long and noble gallery, where stood many effigies in bright armour,
backed by pictures of bewigged gentlemen who smirked or scowled upon
us, and fair dames in ruff and farthingale who smiled, or ladies
bare-bosomed who ogled through artful ringlets; across panelled rooms
and arras-hung chambers, to lofty and spacious hall, with a great,
many-piped organ at one end. Here his lordship made us welcome with a
simple and easy courtesy, himself setting chairs for Diana and the
Tinker.
"Sit ye, friend Jarvis," said he, "and if you care to smoke, pray do
so, you will find tobacco in the jar on the cabinet yonder. As for
you, my goddess of the Silent Places, yonder comes my admirable valet
with fruit and sweetmeats for your delectation; you, Peregrine, have
Diana beside you.
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