The view of other houses and other decorations before long introduces the worm of discontent into the blossom of our friend's contentment.The fruit of her labors becomes tasteless on her lips.As the finances of the family are satisfactory, the re-arrangement of the parlor floor is (at her suggestion) confided to a firm of upholsterers, who make a clean sweep of the rosewood and the bow-knots, and retire, after some months of labor, leaving the delighted wife in possession of a suite of rooms glittering with every monstrosity that an imaginative tradesman, spurred on by unlimited credit, could devise.
The wood work of the doors and mantels is an intricate puzzle of inlaid woods, the ceilings are panelled and painted in complicated designs.The "parlor" is provided with a complete set of neat, old-gold satin furniture, puffed at its angles with peacock-colored plush.
The monumental folding doors between the long, narrow rooms are draped with the same chaste combination of stuffs.
The dining-room blazes with a gold and purple wall paper, set off by ebonized wood work and furniture.The conscientious contractor has neglected no corner.Every square inch of the ceilings, walls, and floors has been carved, embossed, stencilled, or gilded into a bewildering monotony.