Sax Rohmer

“ A curtain of black and gold draped in a pointed doorway was drawn aside, and two little Nubian girls ran in, standing right and left of the door, like twin ebony statuettes, and each holding back a corner of the curtain, which was divided in the centre. Their immature black shapes were innocent of clothing. ”

“ Only a woman of unusual beauty could have triumphed in such a setting; yet the ultimate note of this sensuous scheme was struck by the figure of Madame Sabinov. The cushions on which she lay were set in a low divan. ”

“ To the right were cavernous shadows, in which, dimly perceptible, hung a purple curtain before an archway. Out from these shadows to greet the visitor came a white-clad Egyptian servant, who saluted him ceremoniously ”