On each side of it
hung a framed silhouette, portraits of ancestors. Other pictures
there were many, the most impressive being an ancient oil-painting,
of which the canvas bulged forth from the frame; the subject
appeared to be a ship, but was just as likely a view of the Alps.
Several German prints conveyed instruction as well as delight; one
represented the trial of Strafford in Westminster Hall; another, the
trial of William Lord Russell, at the Old Bailey. There was also a
group of engraved portraits, the Royal Family of England early in
the reign of Queen Victoria; and finally, 'The Destruction of
Nineveh,' by John Martin. Along the window-sill were disposed
flower-pots containing artificial plants; one or other was always
being knocked down by the curtains or blinds.
Each guest having taken a quaff of ale or spirits or what was called
wine, with perhaps a mouthful of more solid sustenance, was then led
down into the back-kitchen to view the coffin and the corpse. I
mention the coffin first, because in everyone's view this was the
main point of interest. Could Mrs. Peckover have buried the old
woman in an orange-crate, she would gladly have done so for the
saving of expense; but with relatives and neighbours to consider,
she drew a great deal of virtue out of necessity, and dealt so very
handsomely with the undertaker, that this burial would be the talk
of the Close for some weeks.
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