an consoles, and yet we only see them in great houses.
Why? Because they are simple, and we haven't yet learned to demand the
simple. I have had many interesting old console-tables of wrought iron
support and marble tops copied, and I have designed others that were
mere semi-circles of white painted wood supported by four slender legs,
but whether they be marble or pine the effect is always simple. There
are charming consoles that have come to us from the Eighteenth Century,
consoles made in pairs, so that they may stand against the wall as
serving-tables, or be placed together to form one round table. This is a
very good arrangement where people have one large living room or hall in
which they dine and which also serves all the purpose of daily
intercourse. This entirely removes any suggestion of a dining-room, as
the consoles may be separated and stand against the wall during the day.

Many modern houses are being built without the conventional dining-room
we have known so long, there being instead an open-air breakfast room
which may be glazed in winter and screened in summer. People have come
to their senses at last, and realize that there is nothing so pleasant
as eating outdoors. The annual migration of Americans to Europe is
responsible for the introduction of this excellent custom. French houses
are always equipped with some outdoor place for eating. Some of them
have, in addition to the inclosed porch, a fascinating pavilion built in
the garden, where breakfast and tea may be served. Modern mechanical
conveniences and the inexpensive electric apparatus make it possible to
serve meals at this distance from the house and keep them hot in the
meantime. One may prepare one's own coffee and toast at table, with the
green trees and flowers and birds all around.

Eating outdoors makes for good health and long life and good temper,
everyone knows that. The simplest meal seems a gala affair when everyone
is radiant and cheerful, whereas a long and elaborate meal served
indoors is usually depressing.

XIV

THE BEDROOM

In olden times people rarely slept in their bedrooms, which were mostly
_chambres de parade_, where everyone was received and much business was
transacted. The real bedroom was usually a smallish closet nearby. These
_chambres de parade_ were very splendid, the beds raised on a dais, and
hung with fine damasks and tapestries--tapestries thick with bullion
fringes. The horror of fresh air felt