ainscoted with oak and lined above with arras, separated from the inner
hall by an oak screen, which was usually guarded upon gala nights by most
respectable "Beef-eaters," who required the production of invitation
[Picture: Inner Hall with oak screen] cards from all visitors. They
permit us to pass without question; and that is a very proper example for
you to follow, and a good reason why you should not question me too
closely:--

"Do you think that I
Came here to be the Pryor's Bank directory?"

You must use your own eyes, and judge for yourself. I will tell you,
however, all that I know as briefly as possible, and point out whatever
occurs to me in our scamper, for a scamper it can only be termed: just
such a kind of run as a person makes through London who has come up by
railroad to see all its wonders in a week. But I cannot allow you to
examine so closely that curiously carved oak chimney-piece in the inner
hall, although I admit that it may be as early as Henry VIII.'s time, and
those interesting old portraits. Where shall we begin? You wish to
inspect everything. Suppose, then, we commence with the kitchen, and
steam it up-stairs to the dormitories, going at the rate of a
high-pressure engine.

You are already aware that the kitchen was panelled with oak from the
drawing-room of Winchester House, and now you see the whole style of
fitting-up accords with that of "bygone days." Look, for instance,
towards the kitchen window, and you will find that the various cupboards,
presses and dressers--even the cooking utensils--correspond; but,
although modern improvements have not been lost sight of, antique forms
have been retained. Let one example suffice, that of an ancient
gridiron, of beautiful and elaborate workmanship.

[Picture: Kitchen Window: and Ancient Gridiron]

The history of the plates and dishes displayed in this kitchen would
afford an opportunity for a dissertation on the rise and progress of the
fine arts in this country, as they present most curious and important
specimens of early drawing, painting, and poetry. The old English plate
was a square piece of wood, which indeed is not quite obsolete at the
present hour. The improvement upon this primitive plate was a circular
platter, with a raised edge; but there were also thin, circular, flat
plates of beech-wood in use for the dessert or confection, and they were
gilt and painted upon one side, and inscribed with