Whittell loved circular staircases, and even more so
when they had hidden entrances and exits. This one
leads from the tunnels up to the Card Room, a building
set off from the others where he and his friends would
play poker 'til the wee hours. Guests who had too much
to drink might wake up in "the dungeon", another one of
the secret rooms off the tunnels. Bill the lion would
provide a wake-up call by licking their faces. . . .