The mantle of the fireplace was intricately carved with embracing figures. When he turned his eyes elsewhere he found the bookshelves crowded with cheerful couples, triples, foursomes - he stopped counting - caught by the carver in moments which seemed implausible. He realized with a start his armrests were carved as well and stuffed his hands in his pockets. He was about to carefully peruse the contents of the shelves when he heard her outside. She hesitated for a long time. A clock ticked. He was frozen with his back to the door. When she finally opened the door, the creak of the hinges barely masked his noisy inhale.