It faced due north; and the last rays of the sun, that was setting like a red-hot shot amidst a tumultuous gathering of snow clouds, were reflected on the endless rows of windows.

A portico of Doric columns adorned the front, and would have done honour to a temple.
The servant who received me at the door was civil to a fault--I had almost said, to offence; and the hall to which he admitted me through a pair of glass doors was warmed and already partly lighted by a liberal chimney heaped with the roots of beeches.
'Vicomte Anne de St.Yves,' said I, in answer to the man's question; whereupon he bowed before me lower still, and stepping upon one side introduced me to the truly awful presence of the major-domo.

I have seen many dignitaries in my time, but none who quite equalled this eminent being; who was good enough to answer to the unassuming name of Dawson.
From him I learned that my uncle was extremely low, a doctor in close attendance, Mr.Romaine expected at any moment, and that my cousin, the Vicomte de St.Yves, had been sent for the same morning.
'It was a sudden seizure, then ?' I asked.
Well, he would scarcely go as far as that.

It was a decline, a fading away, sir; but he was certainly took bad the day before, had sent for Mr.
Romaine, and the major-domo had taken it on himself a little later to send word to the Viscount.

'It seemed to me, my lord,' said he, 'as if this was a time when all the fambly should be called together.' I approved him with my lips, but not in my heart.