In the corners of the court polygonal bays, whose surfaces were entirely occupied by buttresses and windows, broke into the squareness of the enclosure; and a far-projecting oriel, springing from a fantastic series of mouldings, overhung the archway of the chief entrance to the house.
As Mr.Swancourt had remarked, he had the freedom of the mansion in the absence of its owner.

Upon a statement of his errand they were all admitted to the library, and left entirely to themselves.

Mr.Swancourt was soon up to his eyes in the examination of a heap of papers he had taken from the cabinet described by his correspondent.

Stephen and Elfride had nothing to do but to wander about till her father was ready.
Elfride entered the gallery, and Stephen followed her without seeming to do so.

It was a long sombre apartment, enriched with fittings a century or so later in style than the walls of the mansion.