Esmeralda knew well enough where she was to go and having ascended to the second floor-unknowingly skirting the very door behind which Astrid lay-entered a room that was most curiously furnished. The walls on three sides were covered in rucked velvet drapes of dark blue, which completely concealed the windows, thus making it necessary to have lamps continually burning within. Upon the other wall, which was painted smoothly in cream, hung an assortment of whips, crops, leather paddles, and other devices that included chains, cuffs, and elaborate leather gags, some of which caused a ball to be held in the mouth of such miscreants as must be kept silent. Along one wall was a huge divan whose velvet surface offered comfort and ease. This, however, was not to be forthcoming until one had suffered certain torments, as Esmeralda well knew. The principal object of her attention was a whipping horse that stood in the centre of the room. Its bulk, supported upon four stout legs, resembled a huge bolster, covered in leather and cylindrical in shape. Its length was almost five feet and its diameter two feet. By a cunning mechanical device, the legs were adjustable in height and could be wound up or down at will. To one side of this apparatus was a more simple but stoutly built wooden trestle that but for its padded top might have been taken for a sawing horse, its triangular legs fastened securely to the floor.
'Madam will remove her dress', Marie said. She had dealt with Lady Dunnit before and knew something of her tastes and whims.