Minna frowned. 'No, I should prefer that you take off everything. Dr Holmes may want to examine your breasts. Why this sudden attack of shyness? You said you're experienced. You undressed completely for me yesterday.'

'That was different. You're a woman and I haven't been with a man for a while.'

Minna took her arm and gave it a reassuring squeeze. 'Karen, in this house you are going to be undressing completely every evening, for men only. So get used to it again.'

'You're right. I'm sorry, Miss Everleigh -'

'Minna. We're all one company now.'

'Minna, then.'

'It's not as if you haven't already been seen naked by dozens of men,' Minna went on. 'You did say you had experience in New Orleans.'

Karen gave a short laugh, aware that Minna was eyeing her keenly. 'I was being silly,' said Karen. 'It must be the change of scenery – a new place. Don't worry, Minna. No problem. Room seven upstairs -'

'That's the one. After you take off your things, you can put on your robe. I'll bring the doctor up as soon as he gets here.'

Karen went up the stairs, and at the landing she walked along the corridor until she found her room.

Inside, she rested her suitcase on a straight chair, unlatched it, and found her purple silk robe.

Slowly, reluctantly, she began to take off her garments, wondering how she would get out of this place unscathed. When she was naked, she slipped into her robe, then moved around the boudoir nervously, examining all the fancy furnishings and accessories.

Another five minutes had passed when Karen heard a knock on the door.

She whirled about just as Minna entered, followed by a striking, bearded man carrying a medical bag.

'Karen,' Minna said, 'this is Dr Herman Holmes. He'll examine you right now. I'm sure he won't be long -'

Holmes's eyes were fixed on Karen as he spoke to Minna. 'Fifteen minutes, no more.'

'All right, I'll leave you two,' said Minna. 'I'll be back for your report, Dr Holmes. And Karen, you'll have a little while to rest before I bring up your first customer. In fact, when the doctor leaves, I want to give you my standard lecture.'

'Your lecture?' said Karen.

'On how to deport yourself with the men who visit you in the Everleigh Club.'

With that, Minna went out of the bedroom, and Karen was left alone with Dr Holmes.

He took his eyes off her and busied himself with his medical bag. He called out, 'Take off your robe, Karen. Sit on the side of the bed. I will examine your breasts first. Later, you will lie back on the bed with your knees bent and your legs spread wide. We must be certain you have no sign of venereal disease.'

'I do not have a venereal disease, Doctor.'

'Let me decide that, young lady.'

With a sigh, Karen pulled off her robe, walked up to the brass bed, and sat on its side.

She realized that Dr Holmes, speculum in hand, had turned from his bag and was watching her.

He advanced towards her, came to a halt before her, then stood over her, his dark blue eyes hypnotically fixed on her body.

'I will say this, Karen,' he began. 'You are certainly a beautiful specimen. I must remember to congratulate Minna Everleigh on her good taste.'

'Thank you.'

'I've examined all the girls in this establishment, and I confess you are by far the most beautiful.'

'I… I don't know what to say.'

'Just be happy to know how men will enjoy you. You should do very well here.'

'I… I hope so.'

'I can guarantee it.' Placing his speculum on the bed, Dr Holmes reached for her bosom. 'Here, let me feel your breasts for anything unusual.'

With effort, Karen thrust her full breasts out as Dr Holmes cupped one and then the other and lightly squeezed. Then, he used both hands to play over her breasts. Over and over his fingers fanned out from her nipples. 'Do you have to keep doing that?' Karen demanded. Dr Holmes ignored her, continuing to move his long fingers over the firm expanse of each breast. 'Absolutely soft, smooth, plump. I can assure you and Minna there's nothing to worry about. Now please lie back on the bed, then spread your legs – wider, my dear – and I'll have a look.'

Flushing with shame, Karen dropped on her back, and then gave in to the pressure of the doctor's hands as he pried her legs fully apart.

He reached for his speculum and bent down on to his knees between her thighs.

She could feel his warm breath on her.

He clucked his tongue. 'Perfect, perfect,' he said in an undertone. 'As healthy as any woman I have ever set eyes upon. Let me go deeper.'

She could feel the touch of his speculum. His inspection was interminable.

'Can't you hurry it up?' she protested.

'I have to be very certain.'

At last he seemed to be done.

'You can sit up now,' he told her.

As she sat up, he rose, and she felt something hard touch her knee. She looked to see what it was, and she saw that a portion of his trousers was protruding, covering a mammoth erection. Appalled, she averted her eyes, and he turned to place his speculum into the bag.

'Well?' asked Karen. 'Surely there's nothing wrong.'

He answered quietly, 'In a sense, there is something wrong, Karen.'

'What do you mean?'

'It is my understanding that to get a job for the Everleigh sisters, you have to be experienced.'

'Yes, that's right.'

Dr Holmes regarded her with a crooked smile. 'You're not experienced, young lady. You've never had a man. You're a virgin.'

'That's a lie.'

'Not according to my examination. Your hymen is still intact,'

'There must be a mistake,' Karen said falteringly.

'No mistake whatsoever,' Holmes went on smoothly. 'You lied about your experience to get this job. Yet the first man to penetrate you – if he's a customer – can cost you your job. He'll notice blood spots on the sheet, and be confused, and probably report to Minna or Aida. You'll lose your job in a minute. Now, it might be possible to prevent that.'

'How?'

'I can inform Minna I want you to accompany me to my office, and I can change your condition.'

'Do you mean surgically?'

'No. There's only one proper way to break a hymen. It would be enjoyable for both of us – and you'd be experienced. I could -'

'If you're saying what I think you're saying,' Karen interrupted heatedly, 'the answer is no! I wouldn't let you near me. You're supposed to be a doctor, not a -'

'I am a doctor, and thinking only of your own good.'

'You're a lecher.' She came to her feet and pulled on her silk robe. 'I'll accept you as a doctor, but not as anything else. I'll take my chances on – on my lack of experience.'

'Whatever you wish, Karen. I certainly have no intention of costing you your job. But I'm afraid you may lose it yourself. Anyway, I want you to know that I am not a lecher or something worse, only a professional you can count upon as a friend.'

Karen remained silent, when there was a rapping on the door.

'Come in!' Dr Holmes called out.

Minna Everleigh entered, glanced at Karen, and then held her gaze on Dr Holmes.

'Did you complete your examination?' Minna inquired.

'You are right on time,' said Holmes, picking up his bag. 'I gave Karen a thorough examination. She's in perfect condition. Healthy and sound. You need have no concern on her behalf.'

Minna relaxed her shoulders. 'That's a relief. Thanks a lot, Doctor.'

'It was a pleasure,' said Dr Holmes. He winked at Karen. 'I enjoyed being with you. I'm pleased you are well.'

'Thank you,' Karen mumbled weakly.

They both watched a cheerful Dr Holmes depart.

Once the bedroom door had closed, Minna gestured Karen to a chair and sat down across from her.

'You have about an hour before your first customer arrives,' said Minna. 'Before that happens, I want to discuss your deportment here. The key to everything in this house is to remember you are a desirable young lady, not just some floozy off the street. If you want to remain an Everleigh girl, you must, when with a visitor, always be polite, be patient, and forget what you are here for.'