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Sunday, March 18, 2007

On Steps and Stairways

"In gardens frequented by children - and it is a sad place that never knows their hurrying footsteps - unrailed stairs are not without danger. It is not difficult to see that, for young folk, the doorway demands to be made the scene for those swift comings and goings that belong to the search for treasure and the rescue of distressed damsels. The top step is obviously the place for the last stand of a devoted retainer, sworn to defend the brave lady of his absent lord. The shadow of the wall is no less clearly the place where conspirators will gather with hood and lantern, until the door flies open and the heroic knight leaps upon them sword in hand."
Gertrude Jekyll & Lawrence Weaver

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