Of course the house was shut in far too closely by the trees at the back and sides.

We wanted more air, more light, more freedom." She drew a long breath and flung out her hands in unconscious illustration.

"But there are many very necessary changes that--that Peter will like to see," said Lady Mary, glancing almost defiantly at the pursed-up mouths and lowered eyelids of the sisters.
Peter walked suddenly into the middle of the banqueting-hall and looked round him.
"Why, what's come to the old place?
It's--it's changed somehow.

What have you been doing to it ?" he demanded.
"Don't you--don't you like it, Peter ?" faltered Lady Mary.

"The roof was not safe, you know, and had to be mended, and--and when it was all done up, the furniture and curtains looked so dirty and ugly and inappropriate.