In returning from this mission, Phœbe encountered the stranger in the lamp-light of the hall, intently examining the balustrade of the stairs.
‘This is the drawing-room,’ she courteously said, seeing that he seemed not to know where to go.
‘Thank you,’ he said, following her. ‘I was looking at the wood. What is it? We have none like it.’
‘It is Irish bog oak, and much admired.’
‘I suppose all English houses can scarcely be like this?’ said he, looking round at the carved wainscot.
‘Oh, no, this house is a curiosity. Part was built before 1500.’
‘In the time of the Indians?’ Then smiling, ‘I had forgotten. It is hard to realize that I am where I have so long wished to be. Am I actually in a room 360 years old?’
‘No; this room is less ancient. Here is the date, 1605, on the panel.’
‘Then this is such a house as Milton might have grown up in. It looks on the Thames?’