Sir Jervis's secretary (being young) took a hopeful view no doubt of her future prospects.
Mrs.Rook decided on darkening that view in a mischievously-suggestive manner, peculiar to herself.
"You will naturally feel some curiosity about your new home," she began, "and I haven't said a word about it yet.

How very thoughtless of me! Inside and out, dear Miss Emily, our house is just a little dull.

I say _our_ house, and why not--when the management of it is all thrown on me.
We are built of stone; and we are much too long, and are not half high enough.

Our situation is on the coldest side of the county, away in the west.

We are close to the Cheviot hills; and if you fancy there is anything to see when you look out of window, except sheep, you will find yourself woefully mistaken.