The Golden Room

Next door was the art gallery, where oils and lustrous marble sculptures were shown, among them a copy of Bernini's Apollo and Daphne.

Entering the dining-room, Foley saw a handsome restaurant, tables laid with gleaming silverware on damask linen. Centred on each table was a burst of fresh flowers.

'One millionaire brought his business associates for di

'A railroad Pullman dining-car,' said Foley with amazement.

'Correct. It's a replica, really, with the interior done in mahogany. Here we are. Look inside. There's the buffet. The guest may choose the food he wants and take it to one of the small tables in the Pullman, or go into the dining-room itself. Now I'll show you my very favourite chamber, used for conversations – and sometimes for orgies.'

Foley followed Mi

'The Gold Room,' a

As they left the Gold Room, Foley had a question. 'Mi

'It's easy,' said Mi

They entered what Mi

Next door was the Chinese Room. The chandelier was a fringed temple lantern with painted scenes of Peking life. Carved ebony furniture was everywhere, and on one wall in a teak frame was an embroidered peacock. In the room's dim corner, Foley made out cabinets filled with exotic artifacts – snuff bottles, porcelains, and small bronze figures.

Dizzied, Foley trailed Mi

Then came the Moorish Room, with foxskins on the floor, and incense burners in every corner. The furnishings consisted of a circular sofa with round tufted back, a potted palm beside it, numerous small octagonal tables, and chairs upholstered with rich gold-threaded brocade that touched the floor. On the fireplace mantel was set a hookah crusty with hashish sediment.

'There are no pictures on the walls,' Mi

With Foley by her side, Mi

Next, like a breath of fresh air, was the Blue Room. Its atmosphere was youthful, very American, with deep-blue divans and leather pillows printed with pictures of Gibson girls. Fittingly, each wall was decorated with lively college pe

Mi

Foley grew more and more dazed as they pushed on through the Green Room, the Rose Room, and the Red Room.

'Finally, the Mirror Room,' stated Mi

'The floor,' Foley gasped. 'The entire floor is mirrored.'

'Every inch of it,' said Mi

'But why a mirror for a floor?' Foley asked.

Mi

Foley reddened and stared at the floor.

'Yes, Ma'am,' he said.

Still bemused, he followed Mi

'Usually,' said Mi

Mi

The first thing Foley saw was a magnificent young blonde stretched languidly on a marble-inlaid brass bed. She put aside the book she was reading, and lifted her head as Mi