but no sooner had i absorbed this little shock , this one of ir and no sooner had i righted myself and anchored my weight age the slight swaying of the elevator , than the doors were opened a upon a large sanctuary that appeared both splendid and private demilune entranceway of inlaid marble , doorways opening to left right , and just before us a broad corridor leading to a distant chai whose windows were wide open to the twinkling night .