She ogled her eyes round at her sister, who rose solemnly and put down her cup and saucer.
The whole company had been impressed by Mrs.Bell's words.

They ceased to talk, they seemed to know something was impending, and Mrs.Butler felt that her hour had come.

She cleared her throat and looked around at her audience.
"H--m! ladies, I have called here with a little piece of news.

I daresay you have not heard it yet, for it's fresh.

It was told to me in confidence, but my source is a most reliable one.