CHAPTER XTHE DONOUGHMORE
From the Boardwalk the Hotel Donoughmore, the tallest tower of all on the sea-front, is entered under the “deck.” You pass through a short arcade between very smart shops, mount a half stair and find yourself in the amazing lobby. A majestic carpeted Mall flanked by lofty pillars leads to the centre of the long building. The great height of the place is accentuated by its narrowness; tall palms spread motionless over your head. The deep bays between the pillars are set out with “over-stuffed” settees and deep chairs. The whole is designed out of a subtle knowledge of humankind, which divides itself generally into performers and spectators. What greater satisfaction could a well-dressed woman know than to parade that Mall with a man at heel? And for mere spectators
