Talking together the mile soon came to an end. They turned in at some big iron gates, and up a drive bordered by chestnut trees, which were in full blossom.
Diana insisted upon stopping to gaze up at them. She always had a keen eye for beauty.
"They're wonderful," she said. "It's like going up an avenue to an enchanted castle. Let's pretend Inez is a princess kept in close custody."
"Oh, but how wet and sticky!" said Noel. "I shouldn't like to be kept in custard!"
Diana and Chris shouted with laughter. Noel did not like to be laughed at, and he turned a little sulky; but when they came up to the house he was himself again.
It was an old grey stone, turreted building. Two gardeners were mowing a very big lawn in front of it, and there were beds of spring flowers in front of the big square stone porch. They had to go up a flight of steps to the door, but before they had got to the top Inez had appeared.
"I saw you from the window," she said, a little breathlessly, "and I slid down the banisters the whole way."
Then she looked at Chris.
"Are you older or younger than Diana?" she asked.
"I'm the eldest of the family," Chris replied, drawing up his head proudly.