Indeed, the drawing-room, with the Inigo chimneypieces, is said to be unique.

This is the library." She opened a thick mahogany door, and as Celia crossed the threshold an exclamation of ecstatic delight escaped her lips.

And not without cause; for the Thexford library is a famous one.

Celia was not unduly impressed by the number of the books, though the collection is by no means a small one, for she had spent weeks and months at the British Museum Reading Room; but the subdued splendour of the room, its vaulted roof, its ebony bookcases, enriched by Wedgwood plaques, the great fireplace, with its marble mantelpiece rising to the very ceiling, kept her for a minute or two dumb with amazement.
"No doubt you will spend a great deal of your time here," said Mrs.
Dexter.

"I have had the fire lit; we burn wood only in the larger rooms." She nodded towards the great logs glowing between the brazen dogs and giving the room not only warmth but an air of comfort and homeliness.