"A great treat, that wine.
One thing the London restaurants can't give us.

Port should never be drunk away from the place where it was laid down." The two men made their way across the very fine hall, the walls of which had suffered a little through lack of heating, into the library, and seated themselves in easy-chairs before the blazing log fire.

Parkins silently served them with coffee and brandy.

He had scarcely left the room before there was a timid knock and Middleton made his somewhat hesitating entrance.
"Come in and close the door," Dominey directed.

"What is it, Middleton?
Parkins says you wish to speak to me." The man came hesitatingly forward.