This entire court, or “_atrium_,” was the part of the building common to all visitors. The opening above is the “_compluvium_,” and the marble basin beneath, the “_impluvium_,” which received the rain that fell from the roof. In the actual houses at Pompeii, the size of the “_impluvium_” corresponds, of course, with the dimensions of the opening above. Here the “_compluvium_” has been widened in order to admit more light into the court. The flooring consists of tesselated pavement, and near the two other doorways leading into the “_atrium_” is inscribed the well-known word “Salve”--“welcome”--announcing the profuse hospitality of the owner. Two out of the three entrances mentioned are formed here for convenience of egress and ingress, and are not copied from actual buildings, in which there are sometimes to be found, however, a _porta postica_, or back door. As soon as we have entered the Court, we turn to the right, and proceed round it, stepping into the “_cubicula_,” or bed-chambers, to admire the figures that seem to be suspended in the intensely fine atmosphere, and--with our English experiences--to wonder how, whether by day or by night, comfort could be attained in such close dormitories. We reach the side entrance, next to which is an open recess corresponding with a second recess on the other side of the “_atrium_.” These recesses were called “_alæ_” or wings, and were used for the transaction of business with visitors. On the central panel of the first recess is painted a scene from the story of “Perseus and Andromeda,” and on the side panel are again exquisite figures, painted not in the centre of the panel, producing a stiff formality, but nearer to the top than to the bottom, so that the forms still seem to float before us. Continuing our way, we turn into the large apartment opposite the door at which we entered. This is the “_tablinum_,” and was used for the reception of the family archives, pictures, and objects of art. Across the “_tablinum_” a curtain was sometimes drawn, to separate the private dwelling-house from the more public “_atrium_,” although it is a remarkable fact that no remains of hooks or rings, or of anything else, has been discovered to convey an idea of the means by which such a curtain could be attached. In order to enter within the “_tablinum_” a special invitation was required. [Illustration: THE POMPEIAN COURT.]