The Great Prince Shan by E. Phillips Oppenheim

Prince Shan stood in the tiny sitting room of his suite upon the _Black Dragon_ and looked around him critically. The walls were of black oak, with white inlaid plaques on which a great artist had traced little fanciful figures, -- a quaint Chinese landscape, a temple, a flower-hung pagoda. There were hangings of soft, blue silk tapestry, brought from one of his northern palaces. The cloth which covered the table was of the finest silk. There were several bowls of flowers, a couch, and two comfortable chairs. Through the open doors of the two bedchambers came a faint glimpse of snow-white linen, a perfume reminiscent at once of almond blossom, green tea, and crushed lavender, and in the little room beyond glistened a silver bath. Already attired for the voyage, his pilot stood on the threshold.

"Is all well, your Highness? " he asked.