As we approached the house, an old man came to meet us and I gave my horse to his care.

He had the keys of the house and he opened the great door for us.

The Hall was very high and cold and lonely, but in a parlor on the right-hand side we found an old woman lighting a fire which was already blazing merrily.

Jane knew her well and she told her to make us a pot of tea and bring it there.

With her own hands she drew forward a handsome Pembroke table, and then we went together through the main rooms of the house.