About the book: 1914 / I would call this establishment tasteless, there was no other way to describe it. The rugs, pictures and drapery were carefully selected; but they were hung haphazardly, and there were too many of them. The huge room contained three leather sofas, an English buffet and plenty of comfortable armchairs, and in the corner a table with ashtrays for smokers. Each of the three roulette tables along the far wall was surrounded by groups of men. Poker tables could be seen through the door to the left. Behind them sat the players, with either gloomy or cheerful faces. There was a muffled hum, the monotonous voices of the croupiers were constantly heard calling out the winning numbers, and rare exclamations from visitors.