We are, at present, residents of Thorbury.

I am Mrs.Drane, and my daughter is engaged in assisting Dr.Tolbridge in some literary work." "If you are friends of Dr.Tolbridge," said Ralph, "you are more than welcome to see whatever there is to see on this place.

The doctor is one of our best friends.

If you like, I will show you the barn, and perhaps my sister will come with us." Miriam, who for a week or more had been beset by the very unusual desire that she would like to see somebody and speak to somebody who did not live at Cobhurst, willingly agreed to assist in escorting the strangers, and Cicely having joined the group, they all walked toward the barn.
There were no self-introductions, Ralph merely acting as cicerone, and Miriam bringing up the rear in the character of occasional commentator.
Mrs.Drane had accepted the young gentleman's invitation because she felt that the most polite thing to do under the circumstances was to gratify his courteous desire to put them at their ease, and, being a lover of fine scenery, she was well rewarded by the view from the great window.
The pride of possession began to glow a little within Ralph as he pointed out the features of this castle-like barn.

Mrs.Drane agreed to his proposition to descend to the second floor.