There were similar pillars on the opposite side, but between them, instead of windows, were arched niches in which stood life-size plaster statues, chipped, broken, and defaced in an extraordinary fashion.

The flooring, of diagonally set narrow boards, was uncarpeted and unpolished.

The ceiling was adorned with frescoes, which at once excited Sir Charles's interest, and he noted with indignation that a large portion of the painting at the northern end had been destroyed and some glass roofing inserted.

In another place bolts had been driven in to support the ropes of a trapeze and a few other pieces of gymnastic apparatus.

The walls were whitewashed, and at about four feet from the ground a dark band appeared, produced by pencil memoranda and little sketches scribbled on the whitewash.