The Howes front-door bell--a clamorous gong--was removed, and a glass knob attached to a spring bell of the old-fashioned "jingle" variety took its place.

An old-fashioned flower garden--Cap'n Cy's mother had loved posies--was laid out on the west lawn beyond the pear trees.

All these changes the captain superintended; when they were complete he turned his attention to interior decoration.
And now Captain Cy proceeded to, literally, astonish the natives.

Among the Howes "improvements" were gilt wall papers and modern furniture for the lower floor of the house.

The furniture they had taken with them; the wall paper had perforce been left behind.