In each medallion hung an exquisite painting in water colours, framed--Decima's doing.

Lady Verner was one who liked at times to be alone, and then Decima would sit in this room, and feel more at home than in any room in the house.

When Lionel began to recover, the room was given over to him.
Here he lay on the sofa; or lounged on an easy-chair; or stood at the window, his hands clasping hold of some support, and his legs as tottering as were poor old Matthew Frost's.

Sometimes Lady Verner would be his companion, sometimes he would be consigned to Decima and Lucy Tempest.

Lucy was pleased to take her share of helping the time to pass; would read to him, or talk to him; or sit down on her low stool on the hearth-rug and only look at him, waiting until he should want something done.