In the last analysis, that would scarcely be called the fault of the decorations, but rather of the innate trend of the mind.
That such a scene might stir the less expensively dressed to emulate the more expensively dressed could scarcely be laid at the door of anything save the false ambition of the minds of those so affected.

Remove the element so thoroughly and solely complained of--liquor--and there would not be one to gainsay the qualities of beauty and enthusiasm which would remain.

The pleased eye with which our modern restaurants of fashion are looked upon is proof of this assertion.
Yet, here is the fact of the lighted chamber, the dressy, greedy company, the small, self-interested palaver, the disorganized, aimless, wandering mental action which it represents--the love of light and show and finery which, to one outside, under the serene light of the eternal stars, must seem a strange and shiny thing.

Under the stars and sweeping night winds, what a lamp-flower it must bloom; a strange, glittering night-flower, odour-yielding, insect-drawing, insect-infested rose of pleasure.
"See that fellow coming in there ?" said Hurstwood, glancing at a gentleman just entering, arrayed in a high hat and Prince Albert coat, his fat cheeks puffed and red as with good eating.
"No, where ?" said Drouet.
"There," said Hurstwood, indicating the direction by a cast of his eye, "the man with the silk hat." "Oh, yes," said Drouet, now affecting not to see.

"Who is he ?" "That's Jules Wallace, the spiritualist." Drouet followed him with his eyes, much interested.
"Doesn't look much like a man who sees spirits, does he ?" said Drouet.
"Oh, I don't know," returned Hurstwood.