Although of course I made no deliberate attempt to overhear, I could not help

but get the gist of what was being said, and was surprised by the extent of my

employer's knowledge, which, despite the occasional infelicity, betrayed a deep

enthusiasm for English ways. It was noticeable, moreover, that the Wakefields -

Mrs Wakefield in particular - were themselves by no means ignorant of the

traditions of our country, and one gathered from the many remarks they made that

they too were owners of an English house of some splendour.

 

I t was at a certain stage during this tour of the premises - I was crossing the

hall under the impression that the party had gone out to explore the grounds -

when I saw that Mrs Wakefield had remained behind and was closely examining the

stone arch that frames the doorway into the dining room. As I went past,

muttering a quiet "excuse me, madam," she turned and said:

 

"Oh, Stevens, perhaps you're the one to tell me.

 

This arch here looks seventeenth century, but isn't it the case that it was

built quite recently? Perhaps during Lord Darlington's time?"

 

"It is possible, madam."

 

"It's very beautiful. But it is probably a kind of mock period piece done only a

few years ago. Isn't that right?"