Yet it was a difficult thing to explain.
'What is it ?' he asked.

'Mr'-- he named the name which I will never reveal--'is out.

Can I do anything ?' 'Inner sanctuary,' murmured the Phoenix.
'I beg your pardon,' said the nice gentleman, who thought it was Robert who had spoken.
'We have something to tell you,' said Cyril, 'but'-- he glanced at the porter, who was lingering much nearer than he need have done--'this is a very public place.' The nice gentleman laughed.
'Come upstairs then,' he said, and led the way up a wide and beautiful staircase.

Anthea says the stairs were of white marble, but I am not sure.

On the corner-post of the stairs, at the top, was a beautiful image of the Phoenix in dark metal, and on the wall at each side was a flat sort of image of it.
The nice gentleman led them into a room where the chairs, and even the tables, were covered with reddish leather.