...of sign-language

I made no answer. There was something very singular in the expression with which he regarded me. And at that moment the apparition of Finic glided in between us, and, gently yet firmly removing me from the Duke's touch, began to converse with him by means of signs. I looked on in silence as they wove their fingers into words as quickly as lightning, my Lord, every now and then, fixing his speaking eyes on the mute's countenance and reading what he would say there faster than even the language of signs could inform him.

[The Spell, Bronte, C.]