In the park itself were a score or more of horses, and in the distance beyond a long line of loose boxes with open doors.

Even as they stood there, a grey sorrel mare had trotted up to their side and laid her head against Sir Timothy's shoulder.

He caressed her surreptitiously, affecting not to notice the approach of other animals from all quarters.
"Let me introduce you to The Walled House," its owner observed, "so called, I imagine, because this wall, which is a great deal older than you or I, completely encloses the estate.

Of course, you remember the old house, The Walled Palace, they called it?
It belonged for many years to the Lynton family, and afterwards to the Crown." "I remember reading of your purchase," Francis said, "and of course I remember the old mansion.

You seem to have wiped it out pretty effectually." "I was obliged to play the vandal," his host confessed.