A small circular table in the centre was supported by symbolical monsters quaintly carved.

At one side of the wall, on a long settle, some half-a-dozen handmaids were employed in spinning; remote from them, and near the window, sat a woman advanced in years, and of a mien and aspect singularly majestic.

Upon a small tripod before her was a Runic manuscript, and an inkstand of elegant form, with a silver graphium, or pen.

At her feet reclined a girl somewhat about the age of sixteen, her long hair parted across her forehead and falling far down her shoulders.
Her dress was a linen under-tunic, with long sleeves, rising high to the throat, and without one of the modern artificial restraints of the shape, the simple belt sufficed to show the slender proportions and delicate outline of the wearer.

The colour of the dress was of the purest white, but its hems, or borders, were richly embroidered.