The whole atmosphere seemed to indicate a cultivated and luxurious taste, kept in bounds by a certain not unpleasing masculine severity.

The coloring of the room was dark green, and the walls were everywhere covered with prints and etchings, and trophies of the chase and war.
A huge easy-chair was drawn up to the fire, and by its side was a table covered with books and illustrated papers.

A black oak writing desk stood open, and a huge bowl of violets set upon it was guarded by an ivory statuette of the Venus of Milo.

The furniture was comfortably worn.

There was a faint atmosphere of cigarette smoke,--the whole apartment was impregnated by an intensely liveable atmosphere.