46998    My own was in the same wing as Baskerville's and almost next door to it.

46999    These rooms appeared to be much more modern than the central part of the house, and the bright paper and numerous candles did something to remove the sombre impression which our arrival had left upon my mind.

47000    But the dining-room which opened out of the hall was a place of shadow and gloom.

47001    It was a long chamber with a step separating the dais where the family sat from the lower portion reserved for their dependents.

47002    At one end a minstrels' gallery overlooked it.

47003    Black beams shot across above our heads, with a smoke-darkened ceiling beyond them.

47004    With rows of flaring torches to light it up, and the colour and rude hilarity of an old-time banquet, it might have softened, but now, when two black-clothed gentlemen sat in the little circle of light thrown by a shaded lamp, one's voice became hushed and one's spirit subdued.

47005    A dim line of ancestors, in every variety of dress, from the Elizabethan knight to the buck of the Regency, stared down upon us and daunted us by their silent company.

47006    We talked little, and I for one was glad when the meal was over and we were able to retire into the modern billiard-room and smoke a cigarette.

47007    'My word, it isn't a very cheerful place,' said Sir Henry.

47008    'I suppose one can tone down to it, but I feel a bit out of the picture at present.

47009    I don't wonder that my uncle got a little jumpy if he lived all alone in such a house as this.

47010    However, if it suits you, we will retire early tonight, and perhaps things may seem more cheerful in the morning.'

47011    I drew aside my curtains before I went to bed and looked out from my window.

47012    It opened upon the grassy space which lay in front of the hall door.