The latch is tricky.

Nay, sir, it is my house.' Obeying the stern motion of his hand, I passed before him into the next room, feeling myself more humiliated than I can tell by this reference to strangers.

For a moment I could see no one.

The day was waning, the room I entered was long and narrow, and illuminated only by a glowing fire.

Besides I was myself, perhaps, in some embarrassment.