"Take it and show it to Sanderson," the other continued. "Ask him if I
don't pay enough for my harness that he gets me stuff like that."
"Yes, sir," said the groom.
They alighted and crossed the broad piazza, which was covered with
easy chairs and tables and rugs. In the entrance hall stood a man in
livery.
"Peters," said the young man, "this is Samuel Prescott. I had some
trouble with my horse and he helped me. He hasn't had anything to eat
today, and I want him to have a good meal."
"Yes, sir," said the man. "Where shall I serve it, sir?"
"In the morning room. We'll wait there. And mind you, bring him a
plenty."
"Yes, sir," said Peters, and went off.
Meantime Samuel had time for a glance about him. Never had he heard or
dreamed of such magnificence. It was appalling, beyond belief! The
great entrance hall went up to the roof; and there was a broad
staircase of white marble, with galleries of marble, and below a
marble fireplace, big enough to hold a section of a tree. Beyond this
was a court with fountains splashing, and visions of palms and
gorgeous flowers; and on each side were vistas of rooms with pictures
and tapestries and furniture which Samuel thought must be of solid
gold.
"Come," said his companion, and they ascended the staircase.
Halfway up, however, Samuel stopped and caught his breath. Before him
there was a painting.
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