Fanciful little clocks with carved scrolls stood about; Cupid tapestries had replaced the original tawdry coverings of these common walls, and what had once been a dingy fireplace was now faced with embossed tiles never made in America.

There were paintings in oil here and there, done by master hands, as one could tell.

The curtained windows spoke eloquently of secrecy.

Here and there a divan and couch showed elaborate care in comfort.

Beyond a lace-screened grille I saw an alcove--doubtless cut through the original partition wall between two of these humble houses--and within this stood a high tester bed, its heavy mahogany posts beautifully carved, the couch itself piled deep with foundations of I know not what of down and spread most daintily with a coverlid of amber satin, whose edges fringed out almost to the floor.