On the rings of a rack made of a nailed leather strap were hung awls, mallets, hammers, irons to cut the vellum, and roughing chisels of bogwood, which were used to smooth the threads as fast as they were employed.

And yet again, at the foot of the heavy oaken table on which the cutting-out was done, was a great winder, whose two movable reels of wicker held the skeins.

Long chains of spools of bright-coloured silks strung on cords were hung near that case of drawers.

On the floor was a large basket filled with empty bobbins.

A pair of great shears rested on the straw seat of one of the chairs, and a ball of cord had just fallen on the floor, half unwound.
"Oh! what lovely weather! What perfect weather!" continued Angelique.
"It is a pleasure simply to live and to breathe." And before stooping to apply herself to her work, she delayed another moment before the open window, through which entered all the beauty of a radiant May morning..