But it was the pictures that most attracted the lady's notice.
"These," she said, "are not mere copies?"
"Yes, madam," said the bard, smiling somewhat sadly, "every one of them, but copies from Nature. Mostly things I daubed when travelling abroad, they serve just to remind me of scenes I have passed through during a somewhat chequered career.
"I don't know," said Mrs. Fielding with innocent candour, "which to admire the most, yourself or your surroundings."
"Round every one of these picture things, madam, I have to weave a tale for my foster-children, who come here in the summer and even winter evenings.
"How enchanting. Might my dear boy come sometimes too?"
Eean stretched out his hand as if by sudden impulse, and Mrs. Fielding clasped it cordially.
"Now you do delight me, madam. I love children and your boy is a gentleman."
"I'm so pleased."
Then turning to the windows.