A table in the centre was littered with English magazines and newspapers, though none of them were of very recent date.

The books were of the most varied kind, history, geography, politics, political economy, botany, geology, law, all relating to England and English life and customs and manners.

There were even such books of reference as the London Directory, the "Red" and "Blue" books, Whitaker's Almanac, the Army and Navy Lists, and it somehow gladdened my heart to see it, the Law List.
Whilst I was looking at the books, the door opened, and the Count entered.

He saluted me in a hearty way, and hoped that I had had a good night's rest.

Then he went on.
"I am glad you found your way in here, for I am sure there is much that will interest you.