And in the intervals between the eastern windows were recesses, covered with hangings of pale crimson. What is concealed in those recesses, doth not yet appear. Both eastern and western windows were curtained with folds of intermingled white and damask, floating luxuriantly from the ceiling to the floor.
The floor was covered with an Axminster carpet of the richest dyes.
Gilt mouldings ran around the ceiling, and in the center thereof, was a cupid, encircled by a huge wreath of roses, and reposing on a day-break cloud.
The table, of variegated marble, which stood in the center of the study, was surrounded by three arm-chairs of the same style as those which lined the wall. It was circular in form, and upon it, appeared an elegant alabaster inkstand, gold pens with pearl handles, gilt-edged paper touched with perfume, a few choice books, and an exquisite "Venus in the Shell," done in alabaster. One of these books was a modern edition of the Golden Ass of Apuleius; and the other was a choice translation of Rabelais.
Altogether, the Rev. Dr. Bulgin's room was one of those rooms worthy of a place in history; and which, may be, could tell strange histories, were its chairs and tables gifted with the power of speech.
"And this is the study of the Rev. Dr. Bulgin!" ejaculated the man.
"It is," replied Herman, flinging himself into an arm-chair; "here he composes his most elaborate theological works."
"Why is his library crowned with that bust of Leo the Tenth, the Atheist and Sensualist?"
"He is writing a work on the age of Luther," replied Herman.
"Oh!" responded the man.