“Alter and add to the front to represent the facade of a small cathedral.  This can be done by building out a projection the entire width of the building, and one storey in height.  This will be divided into three arched divisions, topped with small gables.”

“What are gables, John?”

“Those are the gables. The centre one (forming entrance) being rather higher than the other gables.  The entrance would be formed with clustered columns and richly moulded pointed arches, the door being solid, heavy oak, with large scroll and hammered iron hinges.

“The centre front and back would be carried up to form steep gables, the roof being heightened to match.  The large gable in front to have a large cross at apex.”

“What is an apex?  What words you do use.”

John explained, Kitty laughed.

“The top I have indicated in the drawing. And to have a rose window.  You see the rose window in the drawing,” said John, anticipating the question which was on Kitty’s lips.

“Yes,” said she, “but why don’t you say a round window?”

Without answering John continued: 

“The first floor fronts would be arcaded round with small columns with carved capitals and pointed arches.

“At either corner of front, in lieu of present Ionic columns, carry up octagonal turrets with pinnacles at top_.

“You see them in the drawing.  These are the octagonal turrets.”

“And which are the pinnacles?”

“The ornaments at the top.

“From the centre of the roof carry up a square tower with battlemented parapets and pinnacles at all corners, and flying buttresses from the turrets of the main buildings.

“The bow window at side will have the old casements removed, and have mullions and tracery fixed and filled with cathedral glazings, and, instead of the present flat, a sloping roof will be carried up and finished against the outer wall of the house.  At either side of bay window buttresses with moulded water-tables, plinths, &c.

“From these roofs and the front projections at intersection of small gables, carved gargoyles to carry off water.

“The billiard-room to be converted into a chapel, by building a new high-pitched roof.”

“Oh, John, why should you do away with the billiard-room; why shouldn’t the monks play billiards?  You played billiards on the day of the meet.”

“Yes, but I am not a monk yet.  No one ever heard of monks playing billiards; besides, that dreadful addition of my mother’s could not remain in its present form, it would be ludicrous to a degree, whereas it can be converted very easily into a chapel.  We must have a chapel—­building a high-pitched timber roof, throwing out an apse at the end, and putting in mullioned and traceried windows filled with stained glass.”

“And the cloister you are always speaking about, where will that be?”