"Here we are, sir," said the driver, as we turned in at a fine
stone gateway. "This is the Joseph Crawford place."

He spoke with a sort of reverent pride, and I afterward learned
that his devotion to his late master was truly exceptional.

This probably prejudiced him in favor of the Crawford place and
all its appurtenances, for, to me, the estate was not so
magnificent as some of the others we had passed. And yet, though
not so large, I soon realized that every detail of art or
architecture was perfect in its way, and that it was really a gem
of a country home to which I had been brought.

We drove along a curving road to the house, passing well-arranged
flower beds, and many valuable trees and shrubs. Reaching the
porte cochere the driver stopped, and the groom sprang down to
hand me out.

As might be expected, many people were about. Men stood talking
in groups on the veranda, while messengers were seen hastily
coming or going through the open front doors.

A waiting servant in the hall at once ushered me into a large
room.

The effect of the interior of the house impressed me pleasantly.
As I passed through the wide hall and into the drawing-room, I
was conscious of an atmosphere of wealth tempered by good taste
and judgment.