rature and art; and grew especially fond of the
study of Greek and Roman architecture.

Believing that the similarity of climate in her native State, justified
the revival of an archaic style of building, she ardently desired and
finally obtained her uncle's consent to the erection (as an addition to
the Dent mansion), of a suite of rooms, designed in accordance with her
taste, and for her own occupancy. Hampered by no prudential economic
considerations, and fearless of criticism as regarded archaeological
anachronisms, Leo allowed herself a wide-eyed eclecticism, that
resulted in a thoroughly composite structure, eminently satisfactory at
least to its fastidious owner. A single story in height, it contained
only four rooms, and on a reduced scale resembled the typical house of
Pansa, except that the flat roof rose in the center to a dome.
Constituting a western wing of the old brick mansion which it adjoined,
the entrance fronting north, opened from a portico with clustered
columns, into a square vestibule; which led directly to a large,
octagonal atrium, surrounded by lofty fluted pillars with foliated
capitals that supported the arched and frescoed ceiling. In the centre,
a circular impluvium was sunk in the marble paved floor, where in
summer a jet of spray sprang from the water on whose surface lily pads
floated; and in winter, shelves were inserted, which held blooming pot
plants, that were arranged in the form of a pyramid. The dome
overarching this, was divided into three sections; the lower frescoed,
the one above it filled with Etruscan designs in stained glass; the
upper, formed of white ground glass sprinkled with gilt stars
representing constellations, was so constructed, that it could be
opened outward in panels, and thus admit the fresh air.

On the east side of this atrium, Leo's bed-room connected with that
occupied by Miss Patty in the old house; and opposite, on the west, was
a large square Pompeian library, with dark red dado, daintily frescoed
panels, and richly tinted glowing frieze. At the end of this apartment,
and concealed by purple velvet curtains lined with rose silk, an arch
opened into a small semi-circular chapel or oratory, lighted by stained
glass windows, whose brilliant hues fell on a marble altar upheld by
two kneeling figures; and here lay the family Bible of Leo's
great-grandfather, Duncan Gordon, with tall bronze candelabra on each
side, holding wax candles. At the right of two ma