Mrs.Fairfax was summoned to give information respecting the resources of the house in shawls, dresses, draperies of any kind; and certain wardrobes of the third storey were ransacked, and their contents, in the shape of brocaded and hooped petticoats, satin sacques, black modes, lace lappets, &c., were brought down in armfuls by the abigails; then a selection was made, and such things as were chosen were carried to the boudoir within the drawing-room.
Meantime, Mr.Rochester had again summoned the ladies round him, and was selecting certain of their number to be of his party.

"Miss Ingram is mine, of course," said he: afterwards he named the two Misses Eshton, and Mrs.Dent.

He looked at me: I happened to be near him, as I had been fastening the clasp of Mrs.Dent's bracelet, which had got loose.
"Will you play ?" he asked.

I shook my head.

He did not insist, which I rather feared he would have done; he allowed me to return quietly to my usual seat.
He and his aids now withdrew behind the curtain: the other party, which was headed by Colonel Dent, sat down on the crescent of chairs.