Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. I.djvu/88

 toothless gums and its hanging lips seemed like the sucker of some polypus; it was so foul and slimy.

"She welcomed us with many low courtesies and fawning words of endearment, and ushered us into a low and tawdry room, where a flaring petroleum light shed its crude sheen all around.

"Some frowsy curtains at the windows, a few old arm-chairs, and a long, battered, and much-stained divan completed the furniture of this room, which had a mixed stench of musk and onions; but, as I was just then gifted with a rather strong imagination, I at times detected—or I thought I did—a smell of carbolic acid and of iodine; albeit the loathsome smell of musk overpowered all other odours.

"In this den, several—what shall I call them?—syrens? no, harpies! were crouched or lolled about.

"Although I tried to put on a most indifferent, blasé look, still my face must have expressed all the horror I felt. This is then, said I to myself, one of those delightful houses of pleasure, of which I have heard so many glowing tales?