CHAPTER III.
Mr.Ferrol seemed honestly to like the old farmhouse, with its low ceilings, thick walls, big beams and wide chimneys, and he showed himself perfectly at home.

He begged to be allowed to sit for an hour in the kitchen, beside the great fireplace.

He enjoyed this part of his first appearance greatly.

It was like nothing he had tasted since he used, as a boy, to visit the huntsman's home on his father's estate, and gossip and smoke in that Galway chimney-corner.

It was only when he had to face the too impressive adoration of Madame Lavilette that his comfort got a twist.
He made easy headway into the affections of his hostess; for, besides all other predilections, she had an adoring awe of the nobility.