--------------------------------------------------------------------- [Illustration: FURTHER PRINTS OF THE PRIORY CHURCH.] FURTHER PRINTS OF THE PRIORY CHURCH.--The top illustration is from an old print, undated. The lower engraving is by J. Newton; published 1786. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 1903. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. KEEBLE, Northampton. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. JACKAMAN, Felixstowe. 1904. Mr. and Mrs. C. HOLFORD, Putney. Mr. and Mrs. QUIGGIN. 1905. Rev. and Mrs. O. F. S. P. JENKINS, St. John's, Mold. N. Wales. Mr. and Mrs. F. J. G. NOAKES, 17, Bedlum, Bitterly, Ludlow, Salop. 1906. Mr. and Mrs. W. S. J. LLOYD-WILLEY, 5, Cottage Grove, Bow, E. Mr. and Mrs. H. LEWIS MORGAN, 517, Cliff Road, Bristol. No ceremony has been held since 1906. CHAPTER XI The Scene at the Modern Ceremony Humorous account of a recent Flitch festival, which appeared in the London _Star_, may be reproduced in part, as an outsider's impression of the modern ceremony-- The sun poured down on Dunmow meadows. Most of the population of the country round was gathered in holiday dress, and a steam barrel organ, which neighed a series of melodies without intermission, drove all the birds to the adjoining counties and made things sonorously cheerful. The rustics threw balls at cocoanuts, drank beer, ate cakes, and disported themselves innocently through the early hours awaiting the matrimonial inquisition. The huge marquee tent, where the secrets of several households were to be ruthlessly laid bare, was visited by a number of chubby gentlemen who whispered mysteriously. Finally, at three o'clock all was ready, and public shillings flowed in a steady stream into the committee's hat. Soon the tent was crowded to suffocation. There was a platform with a big chair for the judge, a bench for the claimants and tables for the counsel. There were twelve seats for the jury on the left. An assortment of functionaries walked to and fro on the stage and disappeared into side rooms through _portières_ artistically constructed of old corn bags blended in tasteful harmony. Finally the _portières_ swung back and the historical company appeared. There was a Judge in scarlet and ermine wearing a full-bottomed wig which appeared to have been thoughtfully improvised overnight from a woolly grey doormat. There were two Counsel in wigs and gowns, one for the claimants and one against them. There was an Usher in a gown and fishing pole, which, it was explained to anxious enquirers, was his rod of office. This picturesque party sat down with great gravity, and looked at each other with great gravity until the jury came in.