hed, for remainder of summer (possibly longer), historic
moated Grange, one of the most interesting old country places in
England, mentioned in Domesday Book, for absurdly small rent to
desirable tenant; offered practically free. The house, with foundations,
chapel, and other features dating from the time of King John, has
remained unchanged save for such modern improvements as baths (h. & c.),
electric lighting, and central heating, since Elizabethan days. It
possesses a magnificent stone-paved hall, with vaulted chestnut roof
(15th century), on carved stone corbels; an oak-panelled banqueting hall
with stone, fan-vaulted roof and mistrels' gallery. Each of the several
large reception rooms is rich in old oak, and has a splendid Tudor
chimney-piece. There are over twenty exceptionally beautiful bedrooms,
several with wagon plaster ceilings. The largest drawing-room overlooks
the moat, where are ancient carp, and pink and white water-lilies. All
windows are stone mullioned, with old leaded glass; some are exquisite
oriels; and there are two famous stairways, one with dog gates. The
antique furniture is valuable and historic. A fascinating feature of the
house is a twisted chimney (secret of construction lost; the only other
known by the advertiser to exist being at Hampton Court). All is in good
repair; domestic offices perfect, and the great oak-beamed,
stone-flagged kitchen has been copied by more than one artist. There are
glorious old-world gardens, with an ornamental lake, some statues,
fountains, sundials; terraces where white peacocks walk under the shade
of giant Lebanon cedars; also a noble park, and particularly charming
orchard with grass walks. Certain servants and gardeners will remain if
desired; and this wonderful opportunity is offered for an absurdly low
price to a tenant deemed suitable by the advertiser. Only gentlefolk,
with some pretensions to intelligence and good looks, need reply, as the
advertiser considers that this place would be wasted upon others. Young
people preferred. For particulars, write T. B., Box F., the _Times_."

We were both enraptured with the result of our joint inspirations. We
could simply _see_ the marvellous moated grange, and Terry thought that
life would be bearable after all if he could live there. What a pity it
didn't exist, he sighed, and I consoled him by saying that there were
perhaps two or three such in England. To my mind Courtenaye Abbey was as
good, though moatle