Afternoon arrived:  Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin gown, her gloves, and her gold watch; for it was her part to receive the company, —­ to conduct the ladies to their rooms, &c.  Adele, too, would be dressed:  though I thought she had little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least.  However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks.  For myself, I had no need to make any change; I should not be called upon to quit my sanctum of the schoolroom; for a sanctum it was now become to me, —­ “a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble.”

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.