Save for the glimmer of the solitary candle all was in darkness; the bare floor, the paneled walls, echoed to his tread.

On either hand squares of blackness proclaimed the open doors of large, empty rooms, and down the stair came a wind that bent the weak flame.

The negro took the light from the hand of the man who had opened the door, and, pressing past his master, lit three candles in a sconce upon the wall.
"Yo' room's all ready, Marse Duke," he declared.

"Dere's candles enough, an' de fire am laid an' yo' bed aired.

Ef you wan' some supper, I kin get you bread an' meat, an' de wine was put in yesterday." Haward nodded, and taking the candle began to mount the stairs.