One wishes that Paget had chosen to add a visualization of the retired soldier that Mycroft and Sherlock used in their battle of wits. By analyzing his appearance, the Holmes brothers metaphorically chronicled the Empire. But there are other indications of the times in the picture Paget does choose. In the first image, Sherlock reclines in a cane chair as reminiscent of the Eastern influence on Holmes as was the mark of the Indian sunburn on the retired soldier. Behind him rests the ubiquitous Victorian tea set from which tea has just been served.
Victorian decor defines other scenes.
Sherlock's chair which Mycroft has preempted is solid and clawed as is the covered table behind it. The paneled door that Sherlock holds open, complements the sturdiness of the furniture in the scene despite the missing doorknob on the interior. The shaded lamp with its urn base , the two overstuffed chairs and a picture that is literally hung with a chain in the fashion of the times dominate this scene. The lights of the village a mile away dot the background in the sketch depicting the meeting between the Greek interpreter and the railway porter . The former in his formal dress - top hat, coat and cane stands in front of the prototypical English porter.