collective appearance had left on me an impression of high…born elegance； such as I had never before received。
I found Adèle peeping through the schoolroom door； which she held ajar。 “What beautiful ladies！” cried she in English。 “Oh； I wish I might go to them！ Do you think Mr。 Rochester will send for us by… and…bye； after dinner？”
“No； indeed； I don’t； Mr。 Rochester has something else to think about。 Never mind the ladies to…night； perhaps you will see them to…morrow： here is your dinner。”
She was really hungry； so the chicken and tarts served to divert her attention for a time。 It was well I secured this forage； or both she； I； and Sophie； to whom I conveyed a share of our repast； would have run a chance of getting no dinner at all： every one downstairs was too much engaged to think of us。 The dessert was not carried out till after nine and at ten footmen were still running to and fro with trays and coffee…cups。 I allowed Adèle to sit up much later than usual； for she declared she could not possibly go to sleep while the doors kept opening and shutting below； and people bustling about。 Besides； she added； a message might possibly e from Mr。 Rochester when she was undressed； “et alors quel dommage！”
I told her stories as long as she would listen to them； and then for a change I took her out into the gallery。 The hall lamp was now lit； and it amused her to look over the balustrade and watch the servants passing backwards and forwards。 When the evening was far advanced； a sound of music issued from the drawing…room； whither the piano had been removed； Adèle and I sat down on the top step of the stairs to listen。 Presently a voice blent with the rich tones of the instrument； it was a lady who sang； and very sweet her notes were。 The solo over；