But I recognised pictures and statuary and a conservatory with palms.

And the place shimmered with brilliant ghosts and was haunted by hot perfumes and by the echo of human voices and by elfin music.

And the cripple forgot that he was being carried up the stairs in the grip of the old soldier.

He was mounting them with heart beating high and the presence of a beloved hand on his arm....

You see, it was all so sudden.