Then I stood still and listened, hoping to hear a footstep or a voice.
While doing these conventional things, I continued to be obsessed by the great event that had happened--this apparition.
I went downstairs and joined the rest of my fellow-boarders in the brown and gold dining-room.

There was a general stir and bustle and the usual empty interest before a meal.

A number of people seated themselves with the good manners of polite society.

Smiles, the sound of chairs being drawn up to the table, words thrown out, conversations started.

Then the concert of plates and dishes began and grew steadily louder.
My neighbours talked to those beside them.