"This is one of the lodges—but not the grand one, madam!" he answered anxiously.
"Oh, indeed? But one can get to the park through this gate?" I persisted.
"Oh, yes, madam."
He showed an inclination to act as my esquire, but I got rid of him by promising him sixpence if he would take care of my bag until I returned to the station—then I crossed the greasy railroad track and entered the shade of the trees. It was far from being my ideal entrée into the old house of my heart's desire, but it was something of an adventure—until I reached the gates. There I was halted.
"Yes, miss—if you please?"
It was an acid voice, and I looked at the doorway of the house, out of which an old woman was issuing. She was garbed in profound black.
"I want to get in—to see the grounds of the abbey," I explained casually, but she was not to be overwhelmed by any airy nonchalance. She shook her head.
"But that can't be!"
The smile which accompanied this information was almost gleeful.
"No? But why not?"