d the carpet herself under the
directions of Margaret, who prevailed on her to learn worsted-work for
my sake. So there, again, how useful I was! From the ceiling hung a
brilliant glass chandelier, a birthday present from Edward to Rose; and
the mantel-piece was adorned by a splendid mirror cut out of a broken
looking-glass by Willy, and framed by his hands. I cannot say that Willy
ever seemed to care for me personally, but he took considerable interest
in my upholstery, and much of my handsomest furniture was manufactured
by him. He made my dining-room and drawing-room tables; the frames of my
chairs, which were covered with silk by Margaret; my sofa, and my
four-post bedstead; and it was he who painted the floor-cloth in my
hall, and the capital picture of the Queen and Prince Albert which hung
over the dining-room chimney-piece. I had a snug bed-room, containing a
bed with pink curtains, a toilette-table, with a handsome looking-glass,
pincushion, and rather large brush and comb; a washing-stand,
towel-horse, chest of drawers, and wardrobe. But the last two, I must
confess, were rather for show than for use. They were French-polished,
and in appearance convenient as well as handsome, but in reality too
small to hold my clothes. A few minor articles of dress were kept in
them; but the mass of my gorgeous attire was always in larger boxes and
trunks belonging to my mistress; her work-box, for instance, and at one
time her desk; but her mama turned all my gowns out of the latter when
she banished me from the lessons, and desired that, for the future, only
writing materials should be kept in it. 'Every thing in its proper
place, Rose,' I heard her say. 'You have plenty of little boxes for
doll's clothes; and your doll ought to teach you to be more tidy instead
of less so.'

My dining-room was well adapted for all the purposes of hospitality,
being furnished with a substantial dining-table, chairs, and a
sideboard, on which there always stood two trays, one filled with
decanters and wine-glasses, and the other with knives and forks.

My kitchen was resplendent with saucepans, kettles, pots and pans, and
plates and dishes, ranged upon the dresser, or hung from the walls. A
joint of meat was always roasting before the fire, and a cook of my own
race appeared to spend her life in basting it, for I never failed to
find her thus employed when Rose was so kind as to take me into my
kitchen. There was also a footman, who sat fo