Presently we heard a bustle, and Mr. Kenge said that the court had
risen, and soon after we all followed him into the next room. There was
the Lord Chancellor sitting in an armchair at the table, and his manner
was both courtly and kind.

"Miss Clare," said his lordship. "Miss Ada Clare?" Mr. Kenge presented
her.

"The Jarndyce in question," said the Lord Chancellor, turning over
papers, "is Jarndyce of Bleak House--a dreary name."

"But not a dreary place, my lord," said Mr. Kenge.

"Mr. Jarndyce of Bleak House is not married?" said his lordship.

"He is not, my lord," said Mr. Kenge.

"Young Mr. Richard Carstone is present?" said the Lord Chancellor.

Richard bowed and stepped forward.

"Mr. Jarndyce of Bleak House, my lord," Mr. Kenge observed, "if I may
venture to remind your lordship, provides a suitable companion for----"

"For Mr. Richard Carstone!" I thought I heard his lordship say in a low
voice.

"For Miss Ada Clare. This is the young lady, Miss Esther Summerson."