Forms, grisly and indistinct, flitted past this devouring blaze, by the
sputtering and crackling of which, mingled with the hissing delicacies
before it, and the shrill scream of the presiding fury, a stranger might
be warned of his approach to this pandemonium some time ere its wonders
were visible. The pilgrim seated himself in an accessible corner,
anxiously awaiting the promised signal.
On a long stone bench lay heaps of broken meat, ready for distribution
to the groups of mendicants who were now clamouring without the gate.
From the low and ponderous rafters hung dried mutton, bacon, and deer's
tongues, wreathed in curls of smoke, that might seem to render an
introduction to the chimney unnecessary for completing their flavour.
It was not long ere a pert waiting-maid approached. She drew up her
short linsey-woolsey garments from the contaminations beneath her feet.
Raising her chin, she thus addressed the servitors:--
"My lady bids ye bring the dole quickly into the great hall--She attends
to-day in person. When the bell rings," looking towards the pilgrim as
she spoke, "my lady leaves her chamber.
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