"He stood now on the threshold of the library downstairs, looking at a bowl of coral-coloured tulips whose transparent delicacy detached itself brightly in the sober panelled room. He was grateful to the quietness that slumbered always over the house, abolishing fret as by a calm rebuke."
~~~~~
"For at the centre of all was always the house, that mothered the farms and accepted the homage of the garden. The house was at the heart of all things; the cycle of husbandry might revolve - tillage to growth, and growth to harvest - more necessary, more permanent, perhaps, more urgent; but like a woman gracious, humorous and dominant, the house remained quiet at the centre."
From The Heir by Vita Sackville-West.
Wonderful, evocative, descriptive writing! Your photo of the tulips is just right, too!
Posted by: Lila | 14 June 2013 at 03:02 PM
It's a lovely book, but I particularly liked those passages.
Posted by: Cornflower | 14 June 2013 at 10:07 PM