OF SIX MEDIEVAL WOMEN 



accounts, and of its probable arrangement from 

 contemporary plans, illuminated MSS., and 

 pictures. Its walls were adorned with a frieze 

 composed of heads of the kings of France, 

 moulded in plaster and surmounted by crowns 

 of gilded or lacquered tin, below which, on a 

 coloured ground, were fastened fleurs-de-lis, 

 likewise of tin similarly treated. At the end of 

 the room was a bed, a large wooden structure 

 surrounded by a footboard and laced across with 

 cords on which were laid mattresses, a feather 

 bed (sometimes, if we may judge from miniatures, 

 used during the day as a seat on the floor), 

 many cushions, linen or silk sheets, and a fur- 

 lined coverlet. From rods on the ceiling hung 

 curtains which completely enclosed it at night, 

 but which were drawn back and looped up 

 during the day, when the bed was used as a 

 divan. At night a small oil lamp with a float- 

 ing wick was hung within the curtains, and 

 near the bed was a benitier. At the side, 

 separated by a narrow space, there were fixed 

 seats for the accommodation of those who inter- 

 viewed the Countess before she rose. There 

 was a large open fireplace with a bench in front 

 of it which had a movable back, so that the 

 occupant could sit either facing the fire or with 

 his back to it. Close by were wickerwork fire- 

 screens, capable of being raised or lowered at 

 will. Against the walls there were carved 

 chests, enriched with colour, and chairs with 

 leather seats and wickerwork backs, as well as 



1 06 



