The floor was spread with new rushes; jugs of March beer, a full month old, as it should be, were ranged down the tables; and by every plate lay a posy of flowers.

From the passage outside came the sound of music.
The feast began with the reading of the Gospel; at the close, Mr.John struck with his hand upon the table as a signal for conversation; the doors opened; the servants came in, and a babble of talk broke out.

At the high table the master of the house presided, with the priest on his right, Mrs.Manners and Marjorie beyond him; on his left, Mrs.Fenton and her lord.

At the other two tables Mr.Thomas presided at one and Mr.
Babington at the other.
The talk was, of course, within the bounds of discretion; though once and again sentences were spoken which would scarcely have pleased the minister of the parish.

For they were difficult times in which they lived; and it is no wonder at all if bitterness mixed itself with charity.