It means our having something we couldn't hope for cheques enough to pay for.

They are offering to lend us a beautiful old place to live in for the rest of our stay." "What!" Osborn exclaimed.

"Where ?" "Near Palstrey Manor, where they are staying now." "Near Palstrey! How near ?" He had been slouching in his chair and now sat up and leaned forward on the table.

He was eager.
Hester referred to the letter again.
"She doesn't say.

It is a sort of antiquity, I gather.