In one of the walls was sunk a series of shelves closed by a transparent sheet of crystal of pale yellow tinge.

There were three or four movable seats resembling writing or easy-chairs, but also of metal, luxurious all though all different.

In the corner to the left, farthest from the inner court or peristyle, was a screen, which, as my host showed me, concealed a bath and some other convenient appurtenances.

The bath was a cylinder some five feet in depth and about two in diameter, with thin double walls, the space between which was filled with an apparatus of small pipes.
By pressing a spring, as my protector pointed out, countless minute jets of warm perfumed water were thrown from every part of the interior wall, forming the most delicious and perfect shower-bath that could well be devised.
My host then led me to a seat among the cushions, and placed himself beside me, looking for some time intently and gravely into my face, but with nothing of offensive curiosity, still less of menace in his gaze.

It appeared to me as if he wished to read the character and perhaps the thoughts of his guest.