The bars, which yielded to every stranger and to every peasant, flew open before the high-born group, and the almoner, as he recognized the duke, bent his knee in reverence.

They mounted a heavy flight of stairs, and, traversing an arched gallery, were ushered into the principal hall.

This large room was hung with solemn tapestry, reaching from the ceiling to the floor.

The characteristic piety of these ages displayed itself in the beautiful recesses in the walls, adapted to the reception of holy water, and in the devices upon the floor and ceiling, which always conveyed some pious meaning.

The walls were covered with paintings chiefly relating to the exploits of the lords of Hers, or filled up with heraldic blazonry.
In the cathedral or in the castle, in the monastery or in the chapel, durability was the principal object of the architect.