The interior of the hut was the size of a large and lofty room, the walls being formed of plain polished marble.
It was lighted somewhat dimly, but quite effectively, by peculiar openings in the roof, from which the rain was excluded by overhanging eaves.

The marble floor was strewn with native mats and skins of animals.

Bookcases filled with books were placed against the walls, there was a table in the centre, chairs seated with rimpi or strips of hide stood about, and beyond the table was a couch on which a man was lying reading.
"Is that you, Stella ?" said a voice, that even after so many years seemed familiar to me.

"Where have you been, my dear?
I began to think that you had lost yourself again." "No, father, dear, I have not lost myself, but I have found somebody else." At that moment I stepped forward so that the light fell on me.

The old gentleman on the couch rose with some difficulty and bowed with much courtesy.