The picture-gallery was one of the chief attractions of Beechgrove; like the grand old trees, it had been the work of generations.

The Arleighs had always been great patrons of the fine arts; many a lord of Beechgrove had expended what was a handsome fortune in the purchase of pictures.

The gallery itself was built on a peculiar principal; it went round the whole of the house, extending from the eastern to the western wing--it was wide, lofty, well-lighted, and the pictures were well hung.
In wet weather the ladies of the house used it as a promenade.

It was filled with art-treasures of all kinds, the accumulation of many generations.

From between the crimson velvet hangings white marble statues gleamed, copies of the world's great masterpieces; there were also more modern works of art.