The Sin of Jasper Standish by Eliza Margaret Jane Humphreys

Quiet and subdued, Nora Callaghan followed her friend down the broad staircase where faded and ancient tapestry still hung on the walls, down and into the great hall which they had already furnished in fancy, and so on to the terrace that lay before the curious pointed windows with their lancet panes. The view from here was magnificent, and the two girls stood side by side drinking in the glorious freshness and sunshine, and the scents of fresh moist earth and late roses. Myrtle and trailing wisteria had climbed up the portals and window-frames; vine-like tendrils swayed in the breeze, and amidst the thick ivy birds had nested and sheltered for many untroubled years.

Gradually the shadow of that strange presentiment faded. The natural joyousness of youth responded to the call of Nature. Once more the light talk rippled, the girlish laughter sounded. The next thing was to explore the grounds, which sloped gradually down to the river. Here they discovered an old boathouse and a dilapidated punt.