I obeyed the calm movement of that hand as though it had been a military order, but, as I stepped into the twilight of the outer basement, I suddenly perceived the presence there of the attendant graybeard.

He moved in advance, and I followed, aware that Peter was closely at my heels.

Thus we proceeded up the stairs, and into the upper passage.

My eyes surveyed the wide hall, and caught glimpses of the great rooms opening upon either side.

Accustomed from my childhood to those stately Colonial homes along the Eastern shore, I could yet recall none more spacious, or more richly furnished.