At the end of these, a flight of stone steps leading upwards seemed to promise something better; and true enough, the door at the top being opened, the murmur of a crowd reached our ears, with a burst of sunlight and warmth.

We were in a lofty room, with walls in some places painted, and elsewhere hung with tapestry; well lighted by three old pointed windows reaching to the rush-covered floor.

The room was large, set here and there with stands of arms, and had a dais with a raised carved chair at one end.

The ceiling was of blue, with gold stars set about it.

Seeing this, I remembered the place.