One of the women reads a letter aloud; the others are so absorbed in it that they leave the tap on the tea-urn open so that the tea overflows the teapot. Above right is an overdoor painting of Cupid blindfolded and asleep
On the left are some books considered suitable for "old maids". Far left, "The golden dream" (presumably: The golden dreamer, or, Dreams realised, containing the interpretation if a great variety of dreams, various editions, ca. 1800-1820?; some editions entitled The golden dreamer, or, Dreamers' interpreter: clearly showing how all things past, present, and to come, may be ascertained by means of dreams ; to which is added a correct signification of moles). Behind, "Sermons against the sin of lying", presumably a fictitious work by a popular preacher. Centre, "The history of a totoishell [tortoiseshell] male cat in 5 vols." (with a frontispiece portrait of a cat), associating elderly women with pet cats. Next towards right, "More's almanack", i.e. Old Moore's almanack, foretelling events of the coming year. Right, an issue of the newspaper The morning post