He seemed to have only one expression--a fixed grin.
While I stood looking at this formidable creature, he made a quick movement to shut the door again, smiling more widely.

I had the presence of mind to thrust in my foot, and, before he could resent the act, a voice in the background cried,-- 'For shame, Clon! Stand back, stand back! do you hear?
I am afraid, Monsieur, that you are hurt.' Those words were my welcome to that house; and, spoken at an hour and in circumstances so gloomy, they made a lasting impression.

Round the hall ran a gallery, and this, the height of the apartment, and the dark panelling seemed to swallow up the light.

I stood within the entrance (as it seemed to me) of a huge cave; the skull-headed porter had the air of an ogre.

Only the voice which greeted me dispelled the illusion.