There was an enormous hall into one corner of which the front door opened.

There was a vast library filled with old books which no one ever touched,--huge volumes of antiquated and now all but useless theology, and folio editions of the least known classics,--such as men now never read.

Not a book had been added to it since the commencement of the century, and it may almost be said that no book had been drawn from its shelves for real use during the same period.

There was a suite of rooms,--a salon with two withdrawing rooms which now were never opened.

The big dining-room was used occasionally, as, in accordance with the traditions of the family, dinner was served there whenever there were guests at the Manor.
Guests, indeed, at Scroope Manor were not very frequent;--but Lady Scroope did occasionally have a friend or two to stay with her; and at long intervals the country clergymen and neighbouring squires were asked, with their wives, to dinner.