All wore
the aspect of plenty, and an hospitality that feared neither want nor
diminution.
In one corner of the hall at Waddington sat Mistress Joan, her only
daughter Elizabeth, and two or three female domestics.
They had been spinning, trolling out the while their country ditties
with great pathos and simplicity.
Being nigh supper-time, the group were just loitering in the twilight
ere they separated for the meal.
"Come, Elizabeth," said her mother, "lay thy gear aside; the
strawberries are in the bowl, and the milk is served. Supper and to bed,
and a brisk nap while morning."
The dame who addressed her was a perfect specimen of the good housewife
in the fifteenth century. She wore a quilted woollen gown, open before,
with pendant sleeves, and a long narrow train; a corset, fitted close to
the body, unto which the petticoats were attached, and a boddice laced
outside. She wore the horned head-dress so fashionable towards the close
of the fourteenth century, and at that time still in use, giving the
head and face no slight resemblance to the ace of hearts. An apron was
tied on with great care, ornamented with embroidery of the preceding
century.
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