Mrs. Pitt was leaning against one of the massive tables, with her eyes partly closed. "Let's just imagine the grand feasts which have been held here," she mused. "I can almost see the Lord and Lady, dressed in purple and scarlet, sitting with their guests at a table across this end of the room. A board stretches down the length of the hall, and here sit the inferiors and retainers. A long procession of servants is winding always around the tables, bearing great roasts, birds, pasties, and all sorts of goodies, on huge platters, high above their heads. Up in the gallery here, the musicians are playing loudly and gayly, and even when they cease the guests do not lack for entertainment, for the fool, in his dress of rainbow colors, is continually saying witty things and propounding funny riddles. In such a place much elegance and ceremony were the necessary accompaniments of a grand feast. In a book giving instructions for the serving of the Royal table, is this direction, which always interested me: 'First set forth mustard with brawn; take your knife in your hand, and cut the brawn in the dish, as it lieth, and lay on your Sovereign's trencher, and see that there be mustard.' As you see, they were exceedingly fond of mustard. Richard Tarleton, an actor of Queen Elizabeth's time, who was much at Court as jester, is reported as having called mustard 'a witty scold meeting another scold.'" The guide was growing impatient, and Mrs. Pitt ceased, saying reluctantly, "Well, I suppose we must go on." A servant rang a bell, and soon, down some stairs came a dear little old lady dressed in stiff black silk, with white apron and cap, and mitts on her hands. She escorted the party up the stairs, into her domain. "Wouldn't you just know to look at her that she had been in the family all her life?" whispered Barbara to Betty. First they saw the Ball-room, a stately apartment in which hang three very valuable chandeliers, which Queen Elizabeth gave to Sir Henry Sidney. The next room is still called "Queen Elizabeth's Room," for here that Queen slept when upon a visit to the house. The same furniture which she used is still in place, as well as some tapestries made in honor of the visit, by Lady Sidney. "If Queen Elizabeth slept in that bed," remarked Betty, "she couldn't have been very tall." Their guide, taking this as criticism of one of her beloved treasures, was quick to say: "It only looks short, because it's so uncommon wide, begging your pardon, Miss." "Did that stool belong to anybody?" questioned Barbara, tactfully changing the subject. "It looks as if it has a history." "And it has, Miss; that stool was used by the late Queen Victoria (God bless her!), at her coronation at Westminster Abbey!" and the loyal old lady patted the black velvet stool respectfully.