Their means of amusement are limited. When they have no visitors they generally indulge in a luxurious indolence. For any useful employment, such as even sewing or fancy needlework, they have but little inclination, and their general refuge from ennui is found in reading novels. These are not, as would be generally supposed, works of lascivious character; to these they seem to have an objection, most probably because their own experience has proved the fallacies of the highly-colored descriptions of the delights of love which abound in such productions. To one source of recreation they are extremely partial, namely, driving in carriages some few miles out of town, and they frequently persuade their visitors to indulge them in these rural excursions. They are well acquainted with the most pleasant drives, and know exactly where to find quiet and retired hotels where all the delicacies of the season can be served in the most approved style. If they can not induce their friends to gratify them in this manner, they will endeavor to secure an invitation to take luncheon or oysters at some fashionable saloon. Dress, gay life, and excitement seem necessary to their existence.
And amid all this array of luxurious homes, of splendid dresses, of comparative affluence, the question arises, Are they happy? A moment’s consideration will prompt the answer that they can not be. Continued indulgence in their course of life tends to obliterate the sense of degradation, and makes their career almost second nature, but even the most confirmed must at times reflect. The memory of what they have been, the thought of what they are, the dread of what they must be, haunt their minds; conscience will make itself heard. Many a poor girl dressed in silks or satins, gleaming with jewelry, and receiving with a gay smile the lavish compliments of her “friend,” is mentally racked with a keen appreciation of her true position. She knows that the world condemns her, and her own heart admits the justice of the verdict. She knows that he who is so ostentatiously parading his admiration regards her but as a purchased instrument to minister to his gratification. She feels that she is, emphatically, alone in the world, and her merry laugh but ill conceals a breaking heart.
These houses are generally kept by middle-aged women who have themselves passed through the initiatory course of a prostitute’s life. In some cases they own the real estate and furniture. In others they hire or lease the house, paying an exorbitant rent (often to some wealthy man who considers himself a respectable member of society), and provide their own furniture; in other cases they rent both house and furniture. In one house in this city the enormous sum of nine thousand one hundred (9100) dollars is, or was at the time of examination, paid annually for rent and use of furniture, the owner being a woman who formerly kept the place, but who is now living in the enjoyment of a large income in one of the Italian cities.
The following extracts from information obtained on this subject will give a very good idea of the facts:
E. M. pays $1300 per year for rent and use of furniture, which is owned by a woman who formerly kept the house.
M. S. pays $1000 per year rent, and owns the furniture.
M. L. owns the house and furniture, estimated to be worth $15,000.
M. A. T. pays $700 per year rent, and owns furniture valued at $5000.
J. G. pays $700 per year rent, and owns furniture valued at $3000.
E. T. owns the real estate and furniture, valued at $30,000.