The sky grew unnaturally dark and gloomy, with the blue-grey darkness that so often precedes a heavy fall of snow, and we felt immensely relieved when at last the carriage slackened before a pair of heavy old-fashioned gates, which were almost immediately opened by a young woman who ran out from one of the two lodges guarding each a side of the avenue.
"The drive up to the house looked very pretty even then--or rather as if it would be exquisitely so in spring and summer time.
"'I'm sure there must be lots and lots of primroses and violets and periwinkles down there in those woody places,' I cried.

'Oh Mary, Mary, _do_ take this house.' "Mary smiled, but I could see that she too was pleased.

And when we saw the house itself the pleasant impression was not decreased.

It was built of nice old red stone, or brick, with grey mullions and gables to the roof.

The hall was oak wainscotted all round, and the rooms that opened out of it were home-like and comfortable, as well as spacious.