He crosses the front room$$$ which he calls his study$$$ and comes down the staircase. The stairs turn a corner; they are narrow and steep. You can touch both handrails with your elbows$$$ and you have to bend your head$$$ even if$$$ like George$$$ you are only five eight. This is a tightly planned little house. He often feels protected by its smallness; there is hardly room enough here to feel lonely. Nevertheless.