From the windows the eye reached down over the sparse thickets, the few tilled fields, the whitewashed cottages, to the tall woods upon the bank, and caught a glimpse of bright water and the gulls poising and dipping above it.

Durrance rode up the track upon an afternoon and knew the house at once.

For as he approached, the music of a violin floated towards him from the windows like a welcome.

His hand was checked upon the reins, and a particular strong hope, about which he had allowed his fancies to play, rose up within him and suspended his breath.
He tied up his horse and entered in at the gate.

A formless barrack without, the house within was a place of comfort.