CHAPTER XXIX.
The Silver Coffer.
Within Sir Giles Mompesson's vast and gloomy mansion, it has been said there were certain rooms which, from their size and splendour, formed a striking contrast to the rest of the habitation.

Never used,--except on extraordinary occasions, when their owner gave a grand entertainment with some ulterior object,--these apartments, notwithstanding their magnificence, partook in some degree of the chilling and inhospitable character of the house.

Even when brilliantly lighted up, they wanted warmth and comfort; and though the banquets given within them were sumptuous and profuse, and the wine flowed without stint, the guests went away dissatisfied, and railing against their ostentatious host.
Thus, though the stone walls were hung with rich tapestry, the dust had gathered thickly upon its folds, while portions of the rugged masonry were revealed to view.

The furniture was massive, but cumbrous and ill-assorted; and the gilded ceiling and Venetian mirrors, from want of care, had become tarnished and dim.
Such as they were, however, these apartments were assigned to Aveline, when she was forcibly brought to the extortioner's habitation, as before narrated.

Allowed to range within them at pleasure, she was kept strictly within their limits.