The children were to have a holiday this week, and they had planned some excursions in the park and neighbourhood, but now they were all prisoners to the house. They wandered about, turning the staircase into mountains, the great hall into an ocean, and the different rooms into so many various regions. They amused themselves with their adventures, and went on endless voyages of discovery. Every moment Plantagenet longed still more for the opportunity of exploring the uninhabited chambers; but Venetia shook her head, because she was sure Lady Annabel would not grant them permission.
'Did you ever live at any place before you came to Cherbury?' inquired
Lord Cadurcis of Venetia.
'I know I was not born here,' said Venetia; 'but I was so young that I have no recollection of any other place.'
'And did any one live here before you came?' said Plantagenet.
'I do not know,' said Venetia; 'I never heard if anybody did. I, I,' she continued, a little constrained, 'I know nothing.'
'Do you remember your papa?' said Plantagenet.
'No,' said Venetia.
'Then he must have died almost as soon as you were born, said Lord
Cadurcis.
'I suppose he must,' said Venetia, and her heart trembled.
'I wonder if he ever lived here!' said Plantagenet.