CHAPTER XVII 208
Afternoon arrived : Mrs . Fairfax assumed her best black satin gown , her gloves , and her gold watch ; for it was her part to receive the company , -- to conduct the ladies to their rooms , & c . Adele , too , would be dressed : though I thought she had little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least . However , to please her , I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short , full muslin frocks . For myself , I had no need to make any change ; I should not be called upon to quit my sanctum of the schoolroom ; for a sanctum it was now become to me , -- " a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble ."
It had been a mild , serene spring day -- one of those days which , towards the end of March or the beginning of April , rise shining over the earth as heralds of summer . It was drawing to an end now ; but the evening was even warm , and I sat at work in the schoolroom with the window open .
" It gets late ," said Mrs . Fairfax , entering in rustling state . " I am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr . Rochester mentioned ; for it is past six now . I have sent John down to the gates to see if there is anything on the road : one can see a long way from thence in the direction of Millcote ." She went to the window . " Here he is !" said she . " Well , John " ( leaning out ), " any news ?"
" They ' re coming , ma ' am ," was the answer . " They ' ll be here in ten minutes ."
Adele flew to the window . I followed , taking care to stand on one side , so that , screened by the curtain , I could see without being seen .
The ten minutes John had given seemed very long , but at last wheels were heard ; four equestrians galloped up the drive , and after them came two open carriages . Fluttering veils and waving plumes filled the vehicles ; two of the cavaliers were young , dashing-looking gentlemen ; the third was Mr . Rochester , on his black horse , Mesrour , Pilot bounding before him ; at his side rode a lady , and he and she were the first of the party . Her purple riding-habit almost swept the ground , her veil streamed long on the breeze ; mingling with its transparent folds , and gleaming through them , shone rich raven ringlets .