It had been a mild, serene spring day--one of those days which,

towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining

over the earth as heralds of summer. It was drawing to an end now;

but the evening was even warm, and I sat at work in the schoolroom

with the window open.

"It gets late," said Mrs. Fairfax, entering in rustling state. "I

am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr. Rochester

mentioned; for it is past six now. I have sent John down to the

gates to see if there is anything on the road: one can see a long

way from thence in the direction of Millcote." She went to the

window. "Here he is!" said she. "Well, John" (leaning out), "any

news?"

"They're coming, ma'am," was the answer. "They'll be here in ten

minutes."

Adele flew to the window. I followed, taking care to stand on one

side, so that, screened by the curtain, I could see without being

seen.

The ten minutes John had given seemed very long, but at last wheels

were heard; four equestrians galloped up the drive, and after them

came two open carriages. Fluttering veils and waving plumes filled

the vehicles; two of the cavaliers were young, dashing-looking

gentlemen; the third was Mr. Rochester, on his black horse, Mesrour,

Pilot bounding before him; at his side rode a lady, and he and she

were the first of the party. Her purple riding-habit almost swept

the ground, her veil streamed long on the breeze; mingling with its

transparent folds, and gleaming through them, shone rich raven

ringlets.

"Miss Ingram!" exclaimed Mrs. Fairfax, and away she hurried to her

post below.

The cavalcade, following the sweep of the drive, quickly turned the

angle of the house, and I lost sight of it. Adele now petitioned to

go down; but I took her on my knee, and gave her to understand that

she must not on any account think of venturing in sight of the

ladies, either now or at any other time, unless expressly sent for:

that Mr. Rochester would be very angry, &c. "Some natural tears she

shed" on being told this; but as I began to look very grave, she

consented at last to wipe them.

A joyous stir was now audible in the hall: gentlemen's deep tones

and ladies' silvery accents blent harmoniously together, and

distinguishable above all, though not loud, was the sonorous voice

of the master of Thornfield Hall, welcoming his fair and gallant

guests under its roof. Then light steps ascended the stairs; and

there was a tripping through the gallery, and soft cheerful laughs,

and opening and closing doors, and, for a time, a hush.




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