After several sweeping turns the avenue passed in front of the house, and the carriage drew up before a huge, oblong gray building, with turrets at each corner, bay windows on the first floor and balconies above.
As the carriage stopped the hall door was flung wide, and several men and women servants appeared in the lighted hall.
The butler stood in the door. Two footmen came down the steps to attend their master and mistress.
Ran lifted Judy from the carriage, whispering:
“Welcome home, my darling,” and led her up the steps and into the hall, followed by his friends.
The butler, with a low bow, made way for them to pass.
The housekeeper, a very aged woman, dressed in a brown satin gown and a lace cap, came forward to meet them.
“Welcome home, sir and madam. We have waited for you long, and greet you gladly,” she said in a tone of exaggerated reverence and with a deep courtesy.
Ran held out his frank hand, and Judy said:
“Thank you, Mrs.—Mrs.——”