But the setting of this mirror and the fireplace itself were by far the most noteworthy objects in the whole room.

I set myself idly to examine them.
It was an open hearth, and the blazing faggot lay on the stone itself.
The andirons were of indifferently polished steel, and on either side of the fireplace two Ionic pilasters of dark oak supported a narrow mantel-ledge.

Above this rested the mirror, flanked by a couple of naked, flat-cheeked boys, who appeared to be lowering it over the fire by a complicated system of pulleys, festoons, and flowers.
These flowers and festoons, as well as the frame of the mirror, were of some light wood--lime, I fancy--and reminded me of Grinling Gibbons' work; and the glass tilted forward at a surprising angle, as if about to tumble on the hearth-rug.

The carving was exceedingly delicate.
I rose to examine it more narrowly.

As I did so, my eyes fell on three letters, cut in flowing italic capitals upon a plain boss of wood immediately over the frame, and I spelt out the word _FVI_.
_Fui_--the word was simple enough; but what of its associations?
Why should it begin to stir up again those memories which were memories of nothing?
_Fui_--"I have been"; but what the dickens have I been?
The landlord came in with my dinner.
"Ah!" said he, "you're looking at our masterpiece, I see." "Tell me," I asked; "do you know why this word is written here, over the mirror ?" "I've heard my wife say, sir, it was the motto of the Cardinnocks that used to own this house.