The upper part of the hall was reserved for Sir Ralph's immediate friends, and here, on a slightly raised elevation, stood a cross table, spread for a goodly supper, the snowy napery being ornamented with wreaths and ropes of flowers, and shining with costly vessels.

At the lower end of the room, beneath the gallery, which it served to support, was a Gothic screen, embellishing an open armoury, which made a grand display of silver plates and flagons.
Through one of the doorways contrived in this screen, the May-day revellers were ushered into the hall by old Adam Whitworth, the white-headed steward.
"I pray you be seated, good masters, and you, too, comely dames," said Adam, leading them to the table, and assigning each a place with his wand.

"Fall to, and spare not, for it is my honoured master's desire you should sup well.

You will find that venison pasty worth a trial, and the baked red deer in the centre of the table is a noble dish.

The fellow to it was served at Sir Ralph's own table at dinner, and was pronounced excellent.