The faces of these men and women shone forth wonderfully after the hubbub of living faces, and seemed, as her mother had said, to wear a marvelous dignity and calm, as if they had ruled their kingdoms justly and deserved great love.

Some were of almost incredible beauty, others were ugly enough in a forcible way, but none were dull or bored or insignificant.

The superb stiff folds of the crinolines suited the women; the cloaks and hats of the gentlemen seemed full of character.

Once more Katharine felt the serene air all round her, and seemed far off to hear the solemn beating of the sea upon the shore.

But she knew that she must join the present on to this past.
Mrs.Hilbery was rambling on, from story to story.
"That's Janie Mannering," she said, pointing to a superb, white-haired dame, whose satin robes seemed strung with pearls.