It had an indescribable air of antiquity.

Every piece of furniture was of a pattern unknown to him, and there was a musty flavour in the air, for the Duchess, valuing privacy more than fresh air, never opened the windows.

On the wall opposite was a large picture in oils, an English scene, with the old rustic bridge and the mill in the distance, painted at Billabong by Clara at an early age.

The Duchess caught Jonah's eye.
"That was painted by my daughter ten years ago.

Her teachers considered she had a wonderful talent, but misfortune came, and she was unable to follow it up," she said.
Jonah's amazement increased.