Its floor was covered with large flags, a little broken: these, in prospect of the coming entertainment, a few workmen were leveling, patching, replacing.
For the tables were to be set here, and here there was to be dancing after the meal.
It was Miss Yolland's idea, and to her was committed the responsibility of its preparation and adornment for the occasion, in which Hesper gave her active assistance.

With colored blankets, with carpets, with a few pieces of old tapestry, and a quantity of old curtains, mostly of chintz, excellent in hues and design, all cunningly arranged for as much of harmony as could be had, they contrived to clothe the walls to the height of six or eight feet, and so gave the weather-beaten skeleton an air of hospitable preparation and respectful reception.
The day and the hour arrived.

It was a hot autumnal afternoon.

Borne in all sorts of vehicles, from a carriage and pair to a taxed cart, the guests kept coming.

As they came, they mostly scattered about the place.