curly beard and the thinning curls of his forehead. Everything used by
him--the linen, clothing, shoes, scarfs, scarf-pins, cuff-buttons, were
of the very best quality, simple, tasteful and expensive. He then picked
out the first of a dozen scarfs and pins that came into his hand--it was
no more novel and amusing, as it used to be--and he was quite
indifferent as to which he put on. He dressed himself in his brushed
clothes which lay on the chair and went out, though not quite refreshed,
yet clean and fragrant. In the oblong dining-room, the inlaid floor of
which had been polished by three of his men the day before, and
containing a massive oaken sideboard and a similar extension table, the
legs of which were carved in the shape of lion's paws, giving it a
pompous appearance, breakfast stood ready for him. A fine, starched
cloth with large monograms was spread on the table, on which stood a
silver coffee-pot, containing fragrant, steaming coffee, a sugar bowl
and cream pitcher to match, fresh rolls and various kinds of biscuits.
Beside them lay the la
