They were dressed in a kind of uniform: muslin caps bound round their heads with blue ribbons, plain muslin handkerchiefs, lawn aprons, and drab-coloured stuff gowns.

They were all gathered together at a little distance from the table, on which were placed a couple of cold chickens, a salad, and a fruit tart.

On the dais there was a smaller round table, on which stood a silver jug filled with milk, and a small roll.

Near that was set a carved chair, with a countess's coronet surmounting the back of it.

I thought that some one might have spoken to me; but they were shy, and I was shy; or else there was some other reason; but, indeed, almost the minute after I had come into the hall by the door at the lower hand, her ladyship entered by the door opening upon the dais; whereupon we all curtsied very low; I because I saw the others do it.