Perches for
hawks, in form like unto a crutch, were placed behind his chair; for
these birds were usually taught to sit hoodless in the evening among
company undisturbed. Hunting-spears, jackets, chain-armour, shields, and
helmets, decorated the walls; and many a goodly heritage of antlers
hung, like forest boughs stripped of their verdure. There were two
oriels furnished with leaning-stones for the convenience of loungers.
Painted glass filled the higher portions of the windows, representing
uncouth heads, hands, feet, and bodies of saints, in all the glowing and
gorgeous magnificence which the beam of heaven can give to colours of
more than earthly brightness, though disposed in forms of more than
childish absurdity.
The hall, the usual rendezvous of the household, was now deserted for
the dread solemnities of that cheerless night. But the stranger was much
discouraged by reason of the coldness and gloom, shivering audibly at
the comfortless appearance that was before him.
"St Martin's malison light on ye--fire, billets, and all--I've seen
nothing like to warm my bare nose and knuckles since we left Halton, two
long days agone.
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