Here he was shown into a small room, richly furnished after a sombrely ornate fashion, the drapery and coverings much faded, worn even to shabbiness.
It had been for a century or so the private sitting-room of the lady of the castle, but was now used by the earl, perhaps in memory of his wife.

Here he received his sons, and now Donal, but never any whom business or politeness compelled him to see.
There was no one in the room when Donal entered, but after about ten minutes a door opened at the further end, and lord Morven appearing from his bedroom, shook hands with him with some faint show of kindness.

Almost the same moment the butler entered from a third door, and said dinner waited.

The earl walked on, and Donal followed.

This room also was a small one.