Her artistic instinct for decoration was hardly less strong than his own, though infinitely less cultivated.

He sent her the most engrossing and delightful books to repair the omission, and he brought her plans and drawings, which he begged her to copy for him.

The days which had hung so heavily on her hands were scarcely long enough.
The careful restoration of the banqueting-hall necessitated new curtains and chair-covers.

Lady Mary looked doubtfully at John when this matter had been decided, and then at the upholstery of the drawing-rooms facing the south terrace.
The faded magenta silk, tarnished gilded mirrors, and gold-starred wall-paper which decorated these apartments had offended her eye for years.

John laughed at her hesitation, and advised her to consult her sisters-in-law on the subject; and this settled the question.
"They would choose bottle-green" she said, in horror; and she salved her conscience by paying for the redecoration of the drawing-rooms out of her own pocket.
John discovered that Lady Mary had never drawn a cheque in her life, and that Mr.Crawley's lessons in the management of her own affairs filled her with as much awe as amusement.
* * * * * So the old order changed and gave place to the new at Barracombe; and the summer grew to winter, and winter to summer again; and Peter did not return, as he might, with the corps in which he had the honour to serve.
Want of energy was not one of his defects; he was a strong, hardy young man, a fine horseman and a good shot, and eager to gain distinction for himself.