The elegance of the room took Mr.Garie completely by surprise, as its furniture indicated not only great wealth, but cultivated taste and refined habits.

The richly-papered walls were adorned by paintings from the hands of well-known foreign and native artists.

Rich vases and well-executed bronzes were placed in the most favourable situations in the apartment; the elegantly-carved walnut table was covered with those charming little bijoux which the French only are capable of conceiving, and which are only at the command of such purchasers as are possessed of more money than they otherwise can conveniently spend.
Mr.Garie threw himself into a luxuriously-cushioned chair, and was soon so absorbed in contemplating the likeness of a negro officer which hung opposite, that he did not hear the soft tread of Mr.Walters as he entered the room.

The latter, stepping slowly forward, caught the eye of Mr.Garie, who started up, astonished at the commanding figure before him.
"Mr.Garie, I presume ?" said Mr.Walters.
"Yes," he replied, and added, as he extended his hand; "I have the pleasure of addressing Mr.Walters, I suppose ?" Mr.Walters bowed low as he accepted the proffered hand, and courteously requested his visitor to be seated.
As Mr.Garie resumed his seat, he could not repress a look of surprise, which Mr.Walters apparently perceived, for a smile slightly curled his lip as he also took a seat opposite his visitor.
Mr.Walters was above six feet in height, and exceedingly well-proportioned; of jet-black complexion, and smooth glossy skin.

His head was covered with a quantity of woolly hair, which was combed back from a broad but not very high forehead.