For a moment they stood grouped together at the other extremity of the gallery, conversing in a key of sweet subdued vivacity: they then descended the staircase almost as noiselessly as a bright mist rolls down a hill.

Their collective appearance had left on me an impression of high- born elegance, such as I had never before received.
I found Adele peeping through the schoolroom door, which she held ajar.
"What beautiful ladies!" cried she in English.

"Oh, I wish I might go to them! Do you think Mr.Rochester will send for us by-and-bye, after dinner ?" "No, indeed, I don't; Mr.Rochester has something else to think about.
Never mind the ladies to-night; perhaps you will see them to-morrow: here is your dinner." She was really hungry, so the chicken and tarts served to divert her attention for a time.

It was well I secured this forage, or both she, I, and Sophie, to whom I conveyed a share of our repast, would have run a chance of getting no dinner at all: every one downstairs was too much engaged to think of us.

The dessert was not carried out till after nine and at ten footmen were still running to and fro with trays and coffee- cups.