text:  In the distance, a great house had come into view, a blaze of lights. As they got closer, the enormity of the place truly became evident. It wasn't a house. It was more like a palace. The French driveway was lined with cars, almost all of which were large and European. Mercedes, Jaguars, Citroëns, Rolls Royces, many with diplomatic medallions and flags. A cluster of chauffeurs loitered in a circle behind the cars, smoking.