My books were always full of ink blots, always stained and covered with smeared sketches and pictures, which one draws idly when his attention wanders from his task.

My Brother Yves)
Les Trois Dames de la Kasbah (1884) which first appeared as part of Fleurs d'Ennui. Loti was an inveterate collector and his marriage into wealth helped him support this habit. Another room evokes a medieval banqueting hall.