Her dark hair was swept up to the top of her head in a crown of braids, as it was then worn.

Her eyes were dark grey, and very sweet, with a mysterious shadow of sadness about them when her face was in repose; yet, when they smiled they shone more than any eyes I have ever seen.
"Miss Dacre and Miss Leonard, I must make you acquainted," said our hostess (the meddling lady whom I have already quoted on the subject of the Hollingford misdemeanours).

"You intend passing the winter at Hillsbro', Miss Leonard." "Yes," replied Rachel; "I believe we shall be at the hall about Christmas." "Ah! and you have never been there before?
I can assure you it is the most dreary place; you will be glad of a young friend in the neighbourhood.

Miss Dacre's whim is one of our amusements at present.
She is going to Hillsbro' to stay with a lady who is the mother of Mr.
Hill's agent." "Mrs.Cowan ?" said Miss Leonard, with a ladylike assumption of interest in the subject.
"Not at all, my dear; the Cowans were worthy people, but Mr.Hill has changed his agent.

Have you not heard?
No, of course.