The tapestried walls revealed the presence of small hidden doors, and the windows were covered by double curtains close drawn.
In the antechamber outside, a small negro groom was scratching his ear for sheer _ennui_.

He had orders not to admit any gentleman visitor till after twelve o'clock, from which he drew the temerarious conclusion that he was free to admit ladies up to that hour.
Despite this prohibition, however, it chanced that Jussuf, in reply to a determined pull at the bell, did admit a gentleman; and Mr.Kecskerey heard the nigger lad talking in his Kaffir tongue to the new arrival, and was furious with him in consequence.
"Who is it, Jussuf ?" cried Mr.Kecskerey, in such a sharp voice that the baboon on the sofa behind his back began to hiss for fright.
By way of answer the new arrival himself rushed through the door.

"These privileged friends of mine are vastly impertinent," murmured Mr.
Kecskerey to himself, as he perceived the intruder in the doorway; and it seemed to give him great satisfaction when the visitor fell back at the sight of his peculiar costume.

But a moment later he recognized who it was, and, with a determined effort at gaiety, exclaimed, stretching out his long dry hand towards him-- "Ah, Abellino! 'tis you, eh?
We fancied you had mediatized yourself in India.

Come and sit down by me.