Page:A short history of social life in England.djvu/310

290 took long to penetrate to the country homes of our forefathers. The interior of their houses was plain. Often enough the country gentleman had no carpet on his floor or curtains to his windows. He had no piano, but there might be found a harp, spinet, or virginal in the home of the smaller squire. Failing all else, there was always the old eight-day clock. There were few easy-chairs, no writing-tables or bureaus, such features of our modern living rooms, for letters were rare. They were written with quill pens and pale ink, and in the absence of envelopes were folded and sealed with a huge piece of sealing-wax. Two brass candlesticks, with a pair of snuffers and tinder and flint for striking a light, stood ever on the mantelpiece, in the absence of matches. The kitchen was moderate in size, there was no kitchen range, and the cooking utensils were still clumsy. Spits for roasting were turned by lads known as Jacks, or even dogs trained for the purpose. The lady of the house always carved the joints for her family and guests. Indeed, it was part of a woman's education at this time to take lessons in carving, so that she might perform her duty properly. The old love of hospitality still existed, and guests were