SOMEWHAT after one in the afternoon, Tom resignedly underwent the

Ordeal of being dressed for dinner. He found himself as finely clothed as

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Before, but everything different, everything changed, from his ruff to his

Stockings. He was presently conducted with much state to a spacious and

Ornate apartment, where a table was already set for one. Its furniture was all

Of massy gold, and beautified with designs which well-nigh made it priceless,

Since they were the work of Benvenuto. The room was half filled with noble

Servitors. A chaplain said grace, and Tom was about to fall to, for hunger had

Long been constitutional with him, but was interrupted by my lord the Earl of

Berkeley, who fastened a napkin about his neck; for the great post of

Diaperers to the Prince of Wales was hereditary in this nobleman's family.

Tom's cupbearer was present, and forestalled all his attempts to help himself

To wine. The Taster to his Highness the Prince of Wales was there also,

Prepared to taste any suspicious dish upon requirement, and run the risk of

Being poisoned. He was only an ornamental appendage at this time, and was

Seldom called to exercise his function; but there had been times, not many

Generations past, when the office of taster had its perils, and was not a