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.

     "Elles changent de toilettes," said Adele; who, listening attentively, had followed every movement; and she sighed.

     "Chez maman," said she, "quand il y avait du monde, je le suivais partout, au salon et a leurs chambres; souvent je regardais les femmes de chambre coiffer et habiller les dames, et c'etait si amusant: comme cela on apprend."

     "Don't you feel hungry, Adele?"

     "Mais oui, mademoiselle: voila cinq ou six heures que nous n'avons pas mange."

     "Well now, while the ladies are in their rooms, I will venture down and get you something to eat."