This room was large and central, connecting with the halls, kitchen, and mother's room.

It was a caravansary where people dropped in and out on their way to some other place.

Our most public moments were during meal-time.

It was known that father was at home at breakfast and supper, and could be consulted.

As he was away at our noonday dinner, generally we were the least disturbed then, and it was a lawless, irregular, and unceremonious affair.