He had taken a cottage in the neighbourhood, because he had once heard me express a liking for it.

It was a pretty little place, enclosed by high walls which held within them many beauties.

It would have been an exquisite place for a pair of happy lovers; and he was making it very fine and dainty for me.

It had been unoccupied for some years; and he was having it newly decorated and furnishing it with the prettiest things money could buy.

He had said that I was not to see it till it was ready for me; and it occupied as much of his time as he could spare from me.