The floor was un-carpeted save for one small oasis opposite the fire.

Here stood my table, cleanly spread, with two plated candlesticks, each holding three candles.

Along the wainscot extended a regiment of dark, leather-cushioned chairs, so straight in the back that they seemed to be standing at attention.
There was but one easy-chair in the room, and this was drawn close to the fire.

I turned towards it.
As I sat down I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror above the fireplace.

It was an unflattering glass, with a wave across the surface that divided my face into two ill-fitting halves, and a film upon it, due, I suppose, to the smoke of the wood-fire below.