In the yellow gloom, one might feast one's eyes at leisure upon the centre table, draped in red damask, mystic, wonderful, and on its wealth of mathematically arranged books, the Bible, the "Indian Mutiny" and "Water Babies" in blue and gold.

This last had been a gift to Ann and was considered by Mrs.Sykes to be the height of foolishness.

Still, a book is a book, especially when bound in blue and gold.
Upon the gaily papered walls hung a framed silver name-plate and two pictures.

One a gorgeously coloured print of the lamented Queen Victoria in a deep gold frame, and the other a representation of an entrancing allegorical theme entitled "The Two Paths," illustrating the ascent of the saint into heaven and the descent of the sinner into hell.

At the top of this picture was the legend, "Which will you choose ?"--implying a possible but regrettable lack of taste on the part of the chooser.
Into this abode of the arts and muses came Callandar, alert and smiling.
It was hardly his fault that he stumbled over the visitor who, whether in awe or fear of these unveiled splendours, had retreated as far as possible toward the door.
"Don't mind me!" said the visitor meekly.
"Willits! by Jove, I thought it would be you! Say, would you mind not sitting on that chair?
It's just glued!" The visitor arose with conspicuous alacrity.