And what an aspect it presented in the winter twilight: gaudier (if that can be imagined) than the Hellenic Club, and as lacking in gravitas as the Oxford and Cambridge Clubs were distinguished. Its profusion of columns and capitals, its porphyry, Portland stone and pediment made it an architect’s crazed dream of clashing styles. The members did not seem to mind. Rather, the façade, like the singular reputation of the place, drew a certain sort. Other clubs might attract those of a military background, or perhaps those with a taste for exotic travel. Other clubs prided themselves on their exclusivity, or upon the unique accomplishments of their limited membership. But the Continental existed purely for pleasure. Here could be found the finest food, the choicest wines and liqueurs, the best Havanah cigars, and the most dissipated fellows with the bawdiest approach to a life that was not worth living except under the constant influence of a surfeit of indulgence. Noah had said to Inspector Newsome earlier that same day that he was not himself a member but knew one.
