turned the handle and opened the door, with the majestic swing Laura had
that day once before observed.




V.



Fifty-five heads turned as if by clockwork, and fifty-five pairs of eyes
were levelled at the small girl in the white apron who meekly followed
Mrs. Gurley down the length of the dining-room. Laura crimsoned under
the unexpected ordeal, and tried to fix her attention on the flouncing
of Mrs. Gurley's dress. The room seemed hundreds of feet long, and not a
single person at the tea-tables but took stock of her. The girls made no
scruple of leaning backwards and forwards, behind and before their
neighbours, in order to see her better, and even the governesses were
not above having a look. All were standing. On Mrs. Gurley assigning
Laura a place at her own right hand, Laura covered herself with
confusion by taking her seat at once, before grace had been said, and
before the fifty-five had drawn in their chairs with the noise of a
cavalry brigade on charge. She stood up again immediately, but it was
too late; an audible titter whizzed round the table: the new girl had
sat down. For minutes after, Laura was lost in the pattern on her plate;
and not till tongues were loosened and dishes being passed, did she
venture to steal a glance round.

There were four tables, with a governess at the head and foot of each to
pour out tea. It was more of a hall than a room and had high,