Apparently it was more private than official in its nature, and apparently it now had lasted for some time.

The hour was late.

Darkness presently must enshroud the room.

Even now the shadows fell heavy upon the lofty portraits, the rich furnishings, the mixed assemblage of somewhat hodgepodge decorations.

Twice an ancient colored man had appeared at the door with lighted taper, as though to offer better illumination, but each time the master of the place had waved him away, as though unwilling to have present a witness even so humble as he.