Thick carpets, into which the feet sink, deaden the sound of footsteps.
Spacious divans, covered with Oriental materials, are placed round the room.
Over the chimney-piece, which is splendidly carved in woodwork, is a looking-glass in the Renaissance style, with a bronze and silver frame, representing grinning fawns and dishevelled nymphs.

Benches are placed round the hearth, which is large enough to hold six people.

Above the divans, on the walls, are large oil-paintings by old masters.

An "Assumption," by Jordaens, which is a masterpiece; "The Gamesters," by Valentin; "A Spanish Family on Horseback," painted by Velasquez; and the marvel of the collection--a "Holy Family," by Francia, bought in Russia.
Then, lower down, "A Young Girl with a Canary," by Metzu; a "Kermesse," by Braurver, a perfect treasure, glitter, like the gems they are, in the midst of panoplies, between the high branches of palm-trees planted in enormous delft vases.

A mysterious light filters into that fresh and picturesque apartment through the stained-glass windows.
From the hall the left wing is reached, where the reception-rooms are, and one's eyes are dazzled by the brightness which reigns there.