The room in which Catesby was left was termed the star-chamber--a name retained to this day--from the circumstance of its ceiling being moulded and painted to resemble the heavenly vault when studded with the luminaries of night.

It was terminated by a deeply-embayed window filled with stained glass of the most gorgeous colours.

The walls, in some places, were hung with arras, in others, wainscoted with dark lustrous oak, embellished with scrolls, ciphers, and fanciful designs.

The mantel-piece was of the same solid material, curiously carved, and of extraordinary size.

It was adorned with the armorial bearings of the family--two bends engrailed, and in chief a label of three,--and other devices and inscriptions.