But at its base the ivy grew thick and green, and here and there long streaks of it crept up almost to the battlements, whilst in one place it had gone higher yet and clothed one of the quaint old turrets.

A moat there had once been, but this was now filled up and arranged into little mounds that became flower-beds in summer.
Resigning our horses to the keeping of our servants, we followed the grave maitre d'hotel who had received us.

He led us across the spacious hall, which had all the appearance of an armoury, and up the regal staircase of polished oak on to a landing wide and lofty.

Here, turning to the left, he opened a door and desired us to give ourselves the trouble of awaiting the Chevalier.

We entered a handsome room, hung in costly Dutch tapestry, and richly furnished, yet with a sobriety of colour almost puritanical.