He was a young man of strong literary preferences, showing a desire for learning, with a keen appreciation of the pleasures and pastimes of daily life.
The drawing-room of Bereford Castle was indeed a superb display of taste, grace, wealth and classic design.

Though firmly believing that a description will dispel the charm lingering around those beautiful rooms, I cannot resist the inclination to give one.
Lofty ceilings, frescoed and gilded, blazing in gold, with the arms of the family in bold relief; walls with wainscoting, arras and gorgeous tapestry.

Furniture polished, carved and decorated; chairs embroidered in crimson and gold; Turkey carpets of fabulous price and texture; statuary, the work of ages; pictures, the work of a lifetime.

Mediaeval grandeur in every niche and corner.

Add to this a view of the gardens from the deep embayed windows, and you have a faint conception of the drawing-room scene at Bereford Castle, the intended home for Lady Rosamond Seymour.
Within this apartment are two occupants.