They came upon it presently, standing bleak and bare as to exterior upon
its hilltop, with only a streaming pillar of smoke from its big chimney
to suggest that it might be habitable within. But when the heavy door
was thrown open, an interior of warmth and comfort presented itself such
as brought an exclamation of wonder from the guest, and made Richard's
eyes shine with satisfaction.
The long, low room had been furnished simply but fittingly with such
hangings, rugs, and few articles of furniture as should suggest
home-likeness and service. Before the wide hearth stood two big winged
chairs, and a set of bookshelves was filled with a carefully chosen
collection of favourite books. The colourings were warm but harmonious,
and upon a heavy table, now covered with a rich, dull red cloth, stood a
lamp of generous proportions and beauty of design.
"I've tried to steer a line between luxury and austerity," Richard
explained, as Hugh looked about him with pleased observation. "We shall
not be equipped for real roughing it--not this time, though sometimes we
may like to come here dressed as hunters and try living on bare boards.
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