" 'Picture to yourself an old house standing in a green glen through which runs a stream called the Laverlaw Water. There are lawns all round it, which run into the heather in the most enchanting way. The walled garden lies to the sun on the slope of the hillside, and, I am told, is a sight to see in its season, for Mrs. Elliot has 'a way' with flowers. She has also very definitely 'a way' with a house [...]
This room is panelled in oak and has a thick blue velvet carpet from corner to corner, which makes it deliciously comfortable. Heavy curtains of dull gold and blue cover the three windows, and a Chinese rug like a square of sunshine lies before the bed. There's a bookcase filled with all the books one would like to read at bedtime, and a stand on the table holds some of the latest published. When the maid brought in my tea this morning - blue and gold china to match the room - I lay and watched the first streaks of light touch the Laverlaw Water. Where's your Riviera now?' "
From Priorsford by O. Douglas.
