dined from dishes of silver. There
was, it is true, some earthenware made in Saxony and France, but as it
was of a finer and more expensive quality than Delft ordinary persons
could not afford to buy it.

"At the time the Dutch began importing their Delft ware into England
Henry IV was on the throne; so you see how long ago all this
happened."

Mr. Croyden smiled mischievously.

"I suppose you have that date at your tongue's end," he added.

"I think it was about 1400," ventured Theo thoughtfully.

"Bravo! I had no idea you would remember it. Henry IV reigned from
1399 to 1413, so you see you are nearly right. As Delft ware began to
be manufactured in 1310 the art was pretty well developed by this
time, and much beautiful pottery was being made. Some of the best
Dutch painters were trying their hand at its decoration, and in the
Museums of the Hague there are old Delft pieces painted by many of
these famous artists. Most of the scenes upon them were copied from
the landscapes the Dutch saw every day--windmills, ships, Dutch women
in their quaint costumes, fishermen, and children in wooden
shoes,--the ordinary sights, such as were common in Holland, but novel
and interesting to those who lived in other places. There were, too,
many imitations of Chinese ware adorned with copies of Chinese
designs. Bear in mind, Theo, that all of this was pottery, not
porcelain; for the secret of porcelain-making had not yet been
fathomed," said Mr. Croyden impressively.

"It was glazed pottery," responded Theo.

"Exactly," nodded Mr. Croyden. "As time went on the Dutch increased
and perfected their output until they became ambitious to make larger
pieces. Potters began turning out small foot-stoves, vases,
candlesticks, and dinner sets. One of the most amusing relics of this
old Delft is now in one of the foreign museums. It is a violin
perfectly modeled and exquisitely decorated. The story goes that it
was one of four such instruments which were made as wedding gifts for
the four daughters of a rich Dutch pottery manufacturer. It is even
asserted that the instruments before being presented to the four
brides were used by the musicians at the wedding festivities. I'm
afraid they did not make very good music."

Theo smiled.

"Besides these fantastic things the Dutch also made tea sets, and when
I say that you must realize that this was a very important fact; for
up to about 1660 tea was a great novelty in England. It had but