The last rays of the setting sun fell across the open lawn and through the deep windows of the great room, illuminating the tall carved bookcases, the heavily gilt bindings, the rich, dark Russia leather and morocco of the folios.

The footsteps of the party fell noiselessly upon the thick carpet and almost insensibly the voices of the visitors dropped to a lower key.

A fine large wood fire was burning on the hearth, carefully covered with a metal netting lest any spark should fly out and cause damage to the treasures accumulated in the neighbouring shelves.
"Pray make yourself at home, Mr.Short," said the squire, coming up to John.

"You may find something of interest here.

There are some old editions of the classics that are thought rare--some specimens of Venetian printing, too, that you may like to look at.