The hall was not dark，nor yet was it lit，only by the high-hung bronze lamp; a warm glow suffused both it and the lower steps of the oak staircase. This ruddy shine issued from the great dining-room，whose two-leaved door stood open，and showed a genial fire in the grate，glancing on marble hearth and brass fire-irons，and revealing purple draperies and polished furniture，in the most pleasant radiance. It revealed，too，a group near the mantelpiece: I had scarcely caught it，and scarcely bee aware of a cheerful mingling of voices，amongst which I seemed to distinguish the tones of Adele，when the door closed.

I hastened to Mrs. Fairfax"s room; there was a fire there too，but no candle，and no Mrs. Fairfax. Instead，all alone，sitting upright on the rug，and gazing with gravity at the blaze，I beheld a great black and white long-haired dog，just like the Gytrash of the lane. It was so like it that I went forward and said- "pilot," and the thing got up and came to me and snuffed me. I caressed him，and he wagged his great tail; but he looked an eerie creature to be alone with，and I could not tell whence he had e. I rang the bell，for I wanted a candle; and I wanted，too，to get an account of this visitant. Leah entered.

"What dog is this?"