I'ARNHA.M. 235 



window in the east end of the room one of the closed windows 

 already alluded to. 



Here also hang the portrait of Cardinal Barberini, by 

 Domenichino, and the Paul Potter picture, formerly in the 

 possession of the Due de Pralin. 



One of the most interesting rooms in the house is the one 

 already alluded to (the oak parlour) as having had the end 

 windows looking into the stableyard opened, and this was called 

 in the last century Sir Henry's business or smoking room. These 

 windows have probably never been renewed since the house was 

 " re-edified" in the reign of Henry VIII. , when they enlightened 

 men before the use of tobacco had clouded their intellects or 

 impaired their digestions. The panelling now adorning the room 

 came from the house in Norfolk before referred to, and was placed 

 here by the present owner. It has all the appearance to the ordi- 

 nary observer of having remained in situ since the room was built. 



Over this oak parlour is the room known as Lady Maria's 

 room, now used as a boudoir or lady's morning room, containing 

 a suite of furniture, of Flemish origin, of inlaid marqueterie, 

 with a background of green silk for water-colour drawings. This 

 little room is the gem of the house. 



The principal staircase, judging from its panelling, is of the 

 time of Charles the Second. 



Many of the fire-places have tiles or azulejos, from Seville, 

 brought thence by the present owner, some of which were 

 removed from the sides of the patios of the Calle de las Duenas, 

 the Moorish Palace of the "Duke of Alba there. 



In the gardens near the house are the yew hedges of former 

 days, and others have been added recently. Time alone is 

 needed to raise these last to the dignity befitting their position. 

 Fortunately grand trees still remain in the park (many even close 

 to the house), the necessary adjuncts to a house of the date and 

 character of Parnham. Many a noble structure suffers to-day, 

 standing like an isolated outcast, forlorn and desolate, left to 

 decay, as the result of its having been shorn of these surround- 

 ing beauties. 



