It seemed to have been built without regard to any
definite period of architecture, and yet to have attained a
certain coherency--a far-reaching structure, with long lines of
outbuildings. In the park itself were a score or more of horses,
and in the distance beyond a long line of loose boxes with open
doors. Even as they stood there, a grey sorrel mare had trotted
up to their side and laid her head against Sir Timothy's
shoulder. He caressed her surreptitiously, affecting not to
notice the approach of other animals from all quarters.
"Let me introduce you to The Walled House," its owner observed,
"so called, I imagine, because this wall, which is a great deal
older than you or I, completely encloses the estate. Of course,
you remember the old house, The Walled Palace, they called it?
It belonged for many years to the Lynton family, and afterwards
to the Crown."
"I remember reading of your purchase," Francis said, "and of
course I remember the old mansion. You seem to have wiped it out
pretty effectually."
"I was obliged to play the vandal," his host confessed. "In its
previous state, the house was picturesque but uninhabitable. As
you see it now, it is an exact reproduction of the country home
of one of the lesser known of the Borgias--Sodina, I believe the
lady's name was.
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