There was a green yard in front of it, and a place for a garden at one side.

At the other side was a wide yard open to the road, so that persons could ride up to the door without the trouble of opening any gate.

The children walked up this open yard.
They went to the door, intending to unlock it with their key, but they were surprised to find that there was not any key hole.

Mary Bell said that she supposed the key hole was not made yet.

They tried to open the door, but they could not succeed.