Little squirrels looked out at them through the beech-trees as they went by, and the rabbits dashed away through the bushes and over the grass, with their white tails in the air.

As they entered the avenue of Canterville Chase, however, the sky became suddenly dark with clouds, and the air became strangely still. A great flock of rooks passed silently over their heads, and, before they reached the house, some big drops of rain had fallen.

Standing on the steps to meet them was an old woman. She was neatly dressed in black silk, with a white cap and apron. This was Mrs Umney, the housekeeper. She had only stayed working at the house because Lady Canterville had asked her to.

She made a low curtsey to the Otis family as they arrived, and said in an old-fashioned way, 'Welcome to Canterville Chase.'

Following her, the family went through the fine Tudor hall into the library, a long, low room, panelled in black oak, at the end of which was a large stained-glass window.

Here they found that tea had been prepared for them. The Otis family took off their wraps, they sat down and began to look round.