"There's nothing doing out there." They strolled about for an hour or more, looking into different rooms, showing their guest the finest pictures, even taking him down into the wonderful cellars.

They parted early, but Quest stood, for a few moments before retiring, gazing about him with an air almost of awe.

His great room, as large as an apartment in an Italian palace, was lit by a dozen wax candles in silver candlesticks.

His four-poster was supported by pillars of black oak, carved into strange forms, and surmounted by the Ashleigh coronet and coat of arms.

He threw his windows open wide and stood for a moment looking out across the park, more clearly visible now by the light of the slowly rising moon.