Beside it is the cushion on which the Pope rests his foot in order that it may be kissed.

Then facing one another, right and left of the room, there are two pier tables, on one of which is a clock and on the other a crucifix between lofty candelabra with feet of gilded wood.
The wall hangings, of red silk damask with a Louis XIV palm pattern, are topped by a pompous frieze, framing a ceiling decorated with allegorical figures and attributes, and it is only just in front of the throne that a Smyrna carpet covers the magnificent marble pavement.

On the days of private audience, when the Pope remains in the little throne-room or at times in his bed-chamber, the grand throne-room becomes simply the ante-room of honour, where high dignitaries of the Church, ambassadors, and great civilian personages, wait their turns.

Two _Camerieri_, one in violet coat, the other of the Cape and the Sword, here do duty, receiving from the _bussolanti_ the persons who are to be honoured with audiences and conducting them to the door of the next room, the secret or private ante-chamber, where they hand them over to the _Camerieri segreti_.
Signor Squadra who, walking on with slow and silent steps, had not yet once turned round, paused for a moment on reaching the door of the _anticamera segreta_ so as to give Pierre time to breathe and recover himself somewhat before crossing the threshold of the sanctuary.

The _Camerieri segreti_ alone had the right to occupy that last ante-chamber, and none but the cardinals might wait there till the Pope should condescend to receive them.