The only modern furniture was a card-table, set with two chairs in the centre of the room, opposite the end of the bed. Candles were placed upon the table, and a couple of packs of cards.
Very likely these preparations had been made by order of Captain Danvers.
Chetwynd had heard there was a haunted room at Brackley, but it never occurred to him that this was the identical apartment, and though Captain Danvers was aware of its ghostly reputation, he thought it best to say nothing about it.
He accompanied his friend to the room, having previously supplied him with such articles as he might require for the night, and then pointing to the table, said, “Shall we have a game at écarté?”
“No, thank you,” replied Chetwynd. “I've vowed never to touch cards again.”
“Well, I won't tempt you to break your oath,” replied Danvers, laughing. “Good night. I hope you'll sleep well.”
And he quitted the room.
Chetwynd sought his splendid couch, and though the thunder rattled awfully overhead, and the lightning blazed, he speedily fell asleep.
How long he slumbered he could not tell, nor could he exactly say what awoke him, but when he opened his eyes he perceived a light in the room.
At first he thought it must be the lightning, for he was certain he had put out the bed-candle, but this illumination was continuous.