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IX. 



A MANOR HOUSE IN DEER LAND. 



There is an old hall with a knight's helmet 

 carved above the porch. The black oak 

 door stands ajar, so massive and heavy with 

 iron rivets, that no gust of air can stir it. 

 A wind comes from the woods, and entering 

 a vaulted passage strays aside freely into 

 the dwelling rooms. For the door in the 

 passage is also ajar, being in like manner 

 of thick oak, iron-studded, and unmoved. 



Within, the high windows set deep in the 

 wall do but just overcome with all their 

 light the heavy weight of the black oak 

 furniture. Dark oak shutters, dark oak 

 window seats, dark oak beams overhead, a 

 black table in the midst of the great room, 

 oak cabinets and lesser tables ; all engrained 



