The front entrance is kept locked up." Winding by a path that conducted into a flower-garden, divided from the park by a ha-ha, over which a plank and a small gate, rusting off its hinges, were placed, Caroline led the way towards the building.

At this point of view it presented a large bay window that by a flight of four steps led into the garden.

On one side rose a square, narrow turret, surmounted by a gilt dome and quaint weathercock, below the architrave of which was a sun-dial, set in the stonework; and another dial stood in the garden, with the common and beautiful motto,-- "Non numero horas, nisi serenas!"* * "I number not the hours, unless sunny." On the other side of the bay window a huge buttress cast its mass of shadow.

There was something in the appearance of the whole place that invited to contemplation and repose,--something almost monastic.

The gayety of the teeming spring-time could not divest the spot of a certain sadness, not displeasing, however, whether to the young, to whom there is a luxury in the vague sentiment of melancholy, or to those who, having known real griefs, seek for an anodyne in meditation and memory.
The low lead-coloured door, set deep in the turret, was locked, and the bell beside it broken.