A bright fire burned in the blue-tiled fireplace; there was an easy-chair and a round table in the bow-window; a pleasant perfume of lavender-scented sheets pervaded the room, and a winter nosegay of red and white chrysanthemums was prettily arranged in a curious china bowl.

I praised everything to Mrs.Barton's satisfaction, and then she went downstairs to see to the tea, first giving me the information that Nathaniel was coming upstairs with the big trunk, and would I tell him where to place it?
He entered the next moment, carrying the heavy trunk on his shoulder as easily as though it were a toy.

He was a good-looking man, with a fair beard and a pair of honest blue eyes, and in spite of his size and strength--for he was a perfect son of Anak--seemed rather shy and retiring.
I left him loosening the straps of my box, and went downstairs to find Uncle Max.
He had made himself quite at home, and was sitting in the big easy-chair contemplating the fire.
'Well, Ursula, how do you like your rooms?
Oh yes, there are two cups and saucers,' as I looked inquiringly at the table, 'because Mrs.Barton expects me to remain to tea.

She is frying ham and eggs at the present moment; I hope you do not mind such homely country fare; but to-morrow you will be your own housekeeper.' I assured Uncle Max that I had fallen in love with the White Cottage, and that I liked Mrs.Barton excessively, that my bedroom was especially cosy and was most comfortably furnished.

'You will see how pretty this room will look when I put up my new curtains and pictures,' I went on; 'it is a little bare at present, but it will soon have a more furnished appearance.