tewildinthemidstofit:thepreparationsforpanyandtheprospectoftheirarrival,seemedtothrowheriasies.ShewouldhaveSophietolookoverallher“toilettes,”asshecalledfrocks;tofurbishupanythatwere“passées,”andtoairandarrahenew.Forherself,shedidnothingbutcaperaboutinthefrontchambers,jumponandoffthebedsteads,ahemattressesandpiled-upbolstersandpillowsbeforetheenormousfiresrintheeys.Fromschooldutiesshewasexoed:Mrs.FairfaxhadpressedmeintoherservidIwasalldayioreroom,helping(orhindering)herandthecook;learningtomakecustardsandcheese-cakesandFrenchpastry,tameandgarnishdesert-dishes.

    ThepartywereexpectedtoarriveonThursdayafternoon,intimefordisix.DurierveningperiodIhadnotimetonursechimeras;andIbelieveIwasasactiveandgayasanybody—Adèleexcepted.Still,nowandthen,Ireceivedadampiomycheerfulness;andwas,inspiteofmyself,thrownbatheregionofdoubtsandportents,anddarkjectures.ThiswaswhenIcedtoseethethird-storeystaircasedoor(whichoflatehadalwaysbeelocked)openslowly,andgivepassagetothefracePoole,inprimcap,whiteapron,andhandkerchief;whenIwatchedherglidealongthegallery,herquiettreadmuffledinalistslipper;whenIsawherlookintothebustling,topsy-turvybedrooms,—justsayaword,perhaps,tothecharwomanabouttheproperolishagrate,oramarblemantelpiece,ortakestainsfrompaperedwalls,andthenpasson.Shewouldthusdesdtothekitonceaday,eatherdinner,smokeamoderatepipeonthehearth,andgoback,carryiofporterwithher,forherprivatesolaherowngloomy,upperhaunt.Onlyonehouriwenty-fourdidshepasswithherfellow-servantsbelow;alltherestofhertimeentinsomel