Angels and Women (1924)

88 ANGELS AND WOMENThe bath is a scalloped pearl-shell, intowhich flows perfumed water. Mats arespread upon jasper floors, soft and brightlike a grassy lawn sprinkled with flowers.Everywhere glows the action, color andwarmth of life, and a light like that of thefull moon pervades the balmy air.Fatigued by long travel and unwonted excitement,I soon took leave of my happymother for the night, and retired to the adjoiningchamber, prepared for my especialuse. What a contrast to that which I hadjust left[ Cool, colorless, sombre, a realmof thought, not sense; wall and ceiling allof ivory, polished and carved in leafy boughs,flowers, birds, and butterflies; long mirrorsreflecting beautiful designs, and startling mewith the reduplication of my own whiteimage standing entranced and motionless.Upon the marble floor of blue and gray weremats of bleached wool and goat’s hair.Chairs and divans invited repose, and in asmall recess stood a dainty table containing