LE NID 



Under the deep shade of the roof one perceives the entrance door to 

 " Le Nid " bowered in an interlacing framework of carved branches and 

 leafage, in the midst of which birds flutter and cling, and over which gleams 

 a gilded nest. 



On entering, one perceives that the brown and rough outer husk of this 

 aerial dwelling is richly lined with jewelled and brilliant colour. 



Some indication of the effect from the entrance may be gained from the 

 illustration which forms the frontispiece to this book. The apartment 

 represents the room of the sun and sunflower, and in all its various decorations 

 the same symbol is presented. Thf tiles, the seats and the windows all 

 represent different treatments of this sunflower motif, while the ceiling 

 represents an attempt to convey in conventional terms something of the 

 effect of glimpses of sky and sun seen through the upper branches of trees. 

 In contrast to this golden room is the cool recessed ercker, of which the lily 

 is the symbol flower. Its floor is set with a mosaic of water lilies disposed 

 in lines which converge to the shrine on which a dim light burns. Towards 

 this shrine, too, the lilies of the frieze bend their heads, and the pictured 

 Madonna is framed by branches intricately interwoven. On the opposite 

 side of this little oratory is the organ enclosed by doors, the inner sides 

 of which are bright with flights of angels painted on a gilded ground. 



The lines from Rossetti 



\Vc two will stand before that shrine, 

 Occult, withheld, untrod, 



lines which seem to have been struck out with masterly precision as by a 

 sculptor's chisel seem especially appropriate for inscription over this shrine 

 so remotely enskied. 



Adjoining this principal apartment the salon of the sun and the sun- 

 flower is a bedroom where the drowsy poppy prevails. Over the door the 

 inscription is from the Ancient Mariner : 



To Mary, Queen, the praise be given, 

 She sent the gentle sleep from Heav'n 

 Which slid into my soul. 



Here the hangings of the bed are embroidered with poppies. Poppies art 

 painted on the walls, and are inlaid in the panels of the furniture. Beyond 

 the bedroom is the kitchen, daintily appointed, and completing the whole 

 plan of a dwelling probably unique in its situation, structure and adornments. 



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