Instead of wishing to shun，I longed only to dare- to divine it; and I thought Miss Ingram happy，because one day she might look into the abyss at her leisure，explore its secrets and analyse their nature.

Meantime，while I thought only of my master and his future bride- saw only them，heard only their discourse，and considered only their movements of importance- the rest of the party were occupied with their own separate interests and pleasures. The Ladies Lynn and Ingram continued to consort in solemn conferences，where they nodded their two turbans at each other，and held up their four hands in confronting gestures of surprise，or mystery，or horror，according to the theme on which their gossip ran，like a pair of magnified puppets. Mild Mrs.

Dent talked with good-natured Mrs. Eshton; and the two sometimes bestowed a courteous word or smile on me. Sir George Lynn，Colonel Dent，and Mr. Eshton discussed politics，or county affairs，or justice business. Lord Ingram flirted with Amy Eshton; Louisa played and sang to and with one of the Messrs. Lynn; and Mary Ingram listened languidly to the gallant speeches of the other. Sometimes all，as with one consent，suspended their by-play to observe and listen to the principal actors: for，after all，Mr. Rochester and- because closely connected with him- Miss Ingram were the life and soul of the party.