The usual place of the article is before the noun if it is not modified by an attribute; if the noun is modified by an attribute, the article is placed before the latter. However, there are cases when the article follows the attribute.

#1. The definite article follows the attribute expressed by the pronouns both, all.

Both the stories were interesting.

All the stories were interesting.

#2. The indefinite article follows the attribute expressed by an adjective after so, too, as.

Mr. Pickwick could not resist so tempting an opportunity of studying human nature. (Dickens)

You compel me to tell you that this is too serious a matter to be treated in such a fashion. (Dreiser)

It was as black a house inside as outside. (Dickens)

#3. The indefinite article follows quite, such, what (what in exclamatory sentences).

She is quite a child.

I’ve never heard of such a thing.

What a wonderful piece of luck!

The indefinite article either precedes or follows rather.

This enquiry envolved the respected lady in rather a delicate position. (Dickens)

They stop and interchange a rather heated look. (Dickens)