CHAPTER XXVII.
THE HOUSE WONDERFUL.
And the bear's skin was tanned with the glossy black fur still upon it, the head with the white-fanged jaws still attached and made natural with all the skill of an artist in such things, and it lay, a great, soft, black rug, upon a couch in the House Wonderful, or, at least, the house to which Harlson gave that name.

It seemed to him the House Wonderful, indeed.
Therein was held all there was in the world for him, and he was satisfied with it all, and content, save that he felt, at seasons, how little man is worthy of the happiness which may come to him sometimes, even in this world.

Yet it was not all poetry in the House Wonderful; there were many practical happenings, and many droll ones.
The House Wonderful, it is needless to say, was in the city.

The bear-skin was but one of many such soft trophies of the chase which were spread upon the floors or upon soft lounges and divans.

Over this particular skin there was much said, at times, when there were guests.
Jean would explain to some curious person, that she herself had shot the original wearer of the skin, and that her husband was up a tree at the time, and there would be odd looks, and he would explain nothing, and then she, woman-like, must needs spoil the mystery by telling all about it, as if any one would not comprehend some jest in the matter! It was a home of rugs and books, and very restful.