The trees and bushes that grew in the crevices of the rocks had very dismal foliage ; and by and by , although it was hardly noon , the air became obscured with a gray twilight . The black horses had rushed along so swiftly , that they were already beyond the limits of the sunshine . But the duskier it grew , the more did Pluto 's visage assume an air of satisfaction . After all , he was not an ill-looking person , especially when he left off twisting his features into a smile that did not belong to them . Proserpina peeped at his face through the gathering dusk , and hoped that he might not be so very wicked as she at first thought him . `` Ah , this twilight is truly refreshing , '' said King Pluto , `` after being so tormented with that ugly and impertinent glare of the sun . How much more agreeable is lamplight or torchlight , more particularly when reflected from diamonds ! It will be a magnificent sight , when we get to my palace . '' `` Is it much farther ? '' asked Proserpina . `` And will you carry me back when I have seen it ? '' `` We will talk of that by and by , '' answered Pluto . `` We are just entering my dominions . Do you see that tall gateway before us ? When we pass those gates , we are at home . And there lies my faithful mastiff at the threshold . Cerberus ! Cerberus ! Come hither , my good dog ! '' So saying , Pluto pulled at the reins , and stopped the chariot right between the tall , massive pillars of the gateway .
The mastiff of which he had spoken got up XXXXX the threshold , and stood on his hinder legs , so as to put his fore paws on the chariot wheel .
although at between from into of that through to with