Possible Clues:

• Dismal record and one goes for religious education
• Not bright
• Drab, dismal
• Gloomy feature lacking moisture outside
• Dismal drain to receive attention
• "Once upon a midnight ___ ..."
• Wretched old Tory right-wingers holding back
• Like overcast days
• Like midnight, in "The Raven"
• Gloomy listener in boring grip