Chapter 19 - THE DINNER MEETING THE ROOM WAS COMFORTABLY large and protected against the spring chill, with a fireplace at one end having a bed of coals as well as a small flame slowing eating the modest logs within. While winter was over, the night temperatures as well as the reassurance a warm hearth brings dictated this addition to raise the ambiance to a amiable level. An overstuffed couch fronted this space, with side tables and stuffed chairs on each end, plus another coffee table in front, between it and the glowing fireplace hearth. A large circular table held the center of the remaining space of the room, set up with several place-settings and surrounded by oak chairs in a traditional design, with curved tops and spindled backs. Lighting was indirect, directed at the ceiling,