It was, however, to be left in such condition that at any moment, should she wish to come to it, all could be made ready in two days' time.

To this end various repairs and changes she had planned were to be carried out as soon as she went away from it.

Among other things was the closing with brickwork of the entrance to the passage leading to the unused cellars.
"'Twill make the servants' part more wholesome and less damp and draughty," she said; "and if I should sell the place, will be to its advantage.

'Twas a builder with little wit who planned such passages and black holes.

In spite of all the lime spread there, they were ever mouldy and of evil odour." It was her command that there should be no time lost, and men were set at work, carrying bricks and mortar.