Richard, answering what he saw in Ada's compassionate eyes, took the opportunity of laying some money, softly and unobserved, on the chimney-piece. We all drew nearer to the cages, feigning to examine the birds.
"I can't allow them to sing much," said the little old lady, "for (you'll think this curious) I find my mind confused by the idea that they are singing while I am following the arguments in court. And my mind requires to be so very clear, you know! Another time, I'll tell you their names. Not at present. On a day of such good omen, they shall sing as much as they like. In honour of youth," a smile and curtsy, "hope," a smile and curtsy, "and beauty," a smile and curtsy. "There! We'll let in the full light."

Ada looked at Richard, who softly laid some money on the chimney-piece, unobserved.
"I can't allow the birds to sing much," said the little old lady, "for they confuse my mind. And my mind needs to be so very clear in court, you know! Another time, I'll tell you their names. On a day of such good omen, they shall sing as much as they like. In honour of youth, hope, and beauty," with a smile and curtsy. "There! We'll let in the light."
