He did not at once look up, and Hamel glanced around with genuine admiration.

The shelves which lined the walls and the winged cases which protruded into the room were filled with books.

There was a large oak table with beautifully carved legs, piled with all sorts of modern reviews and magazines.

A log fire was burning in the big oaken grate.

The perfume from a great bowl of lavender seemed to mingle curiously yet pleasantly with the half musty odour of the old leather-bound volumes.