Chapter 5
Fiveo’clockhadhardlystruthemofthe19thofJanuary,whenBessiebroughtadleintomyclosetandfoundmealreadyupandnearlydressed.Ihadrisenhalf-an-hourbeforeherentrandhadwashedmyfadputonmyclothesbythelightofahalf-moonjustsetting,whoseraysstreamedthroughthenarrowwindownearmycrib.IwastoleaveGatesheadthatdaybyacoachwhichpassedthelodgegatesatsixa.m.Bessiewastheonlypersorisen;shehadlitafireinthenursery,whereshenowproceededtomakemybreakfast.Fewchildrewheedwiththethoughtsofajourney;norcouldI.Bessie,havingpressedmeinvaintotakeafewspoonfulsoftheboiledmilkandbreadshehadpreparedforme,edupsomebiscuitsinapaperandputthemintomybag;thenshehelpedmeonwithmypelisseandbo,andingherselfinashawl,sheahenursery.AswepassedMrs.Reed’sbedroom,shesaid,“WillyougoinandbidMissisgood-bye?”
“No,Bessie:shecametomycriblastnightwhenyonedowntosupper,andsaidIdisturbherinthem,ormycousiher;aoldmetorememberthatshehadalwaysbeefriend,andtospeakofheraefultoheraccly.”
“Whatdidyousay,Miss?”
“Nothing:Icoveredmyfacewiththebedclothes,andturnedfromhertothewall.”
“Thatwaswrong,MissJane.”
“Itwasquiteright,Bessie.YourMissishasnotbeenmyfriend:shehasbeenmyfoe.”
“OMissJane!don’tsayso!”
“Good-byetoGateshead!”criedI,aswepassedthroughthehallaoutatthefrontdoor.
Themoonwasset,anditwasverydark;Bessiecarriedalantern,whoselightglanwetstepsandgravelroadsoddenbyaretthaw.Rawandchillwasthewinterm:myteethchatteredasIhasteneddownthedrive.Therewasalightier’slodge:whenwereachedit,wefouer’swifejustkindlingherfire:mytrunk,whichhadbeencarrieddowntheeveningbefore,stoodcordedatthedoor.Itwaafewminutesofsix,andshortlyafterthathourhadstruck,thedistantrollofwheelsannouheingcoach;Iwenttothedoorandwatcheditslampsapproachrapidlythroughthegloom.
“Isshegoingbyherself?”askedtheporter’swife.
“Yes.”
“Andhowfarisit?”
“Fiftymiles.”
“Whatalongway!IwonderMrs.Reedisnotafraidtotrusthersofaralone.”
Thecoachdrewup;thereitwasatthegateswithitsfourhorsesanditstopladenwithpasseheguardandanloudlyurgedhaste;mytrunkwashoistedup;IwastakenfromBessie’sowhichIgwithkisses.
“Besureandtakegoodcareofher,”criedshetotheguard,asheliftedmeintotheinside.
“Ay,ay!”wastheahedoorwasslappedto,avoiceexclaimed“Allright,”andonwedrove.ThuswasIseveredfromBessieandGateshead;thuswhirledawaytounknown,and,asIthendeemed,remoteandmysteriions.
Irememberbutlittleofthejourney;Ionlyknowthatthedayseemedtomeofapreternaturallength,andthatearedtotraveloverhundredsofmilesofroad.Wepassedthroughseveraltowns,andinone,averylargeohecoachstopped;thehorsesweretakenout,andthepassengersalightedtodine.Iwascarriedintoaninheguardwaohavesomedinner;but,asIhadnoappetite,heleftmeinanimmenseroomwithafireplaceatead,adelierpefromtheceiling,andalittleredgalleryhighupagainstthewallfilledwithmusistruments.HereIwalkedaboutforalongtime,feelirange,andmortallyapprehensiveofsomeoneinginandkidnappingme;forIbelievedinkidheirexploitshavingfrequentlyfiguredinBessie’sfiresideicles.Atlasttheguardreturned;oncemoreIwasstowedawayinthecoach,myproteountedhisow,soundedhishollowhorn,andawaywerattledoverthe“stonystreet”ofL-.
Theafternooncameoandsomewhatmisty:asitwaodusk,IbegahatweweregettingveryfarindeedfromGateshead:weceasedtopassthroughtowns;thetryged;greatgreyhillsheaveduproundthehorizon:astwilightdeepened,wedesdedavalley,darkwithwood,andlongafternighthadovercloudedtheprospect,Iheardawildwindrushingamongsttrees.
Lulledbythesound,Iatlastdroppedasleep;Ihadnotlongslumberedwhenthesuddeionofmotionawokeme;thecoach-dooren,andapersonlikeaservantwasstandingatit:Isawherfaddressbythelightofthelamps.
“IstherealittlegirlcalledJaneEyrehere?”sheasked.Ianswered“Yes,”andwasthenliftedout;mytrunkwashandeddown,andthecoastantlydroveaway.
Iwasstiffwithlongsitting,andbewilderedwiththenoiseandmotionofthecoach:Gatheringmyfaculties,Ilookedaboutme.Rain,wind,anddarknessfilledtheair;heless,Idimlydisedawallbeforemeandadooropeninit;throughthisdoorIpassedwithmynewguide:sheshutandlockeditbehiherewasnowvisibleahouseorhouses—forthebuildingspreadfar—withmanywindows,andlightsburninginsome;wewentupabroadpebblypath,splashi,andwereadmittedatadoor;thentheservahroughapassageintoaroomwithafire,wheresheleftmealone.
Istoodandwarmedmynumbedfingersovertheblaze,thenIlookedround;therewasnodle,buttheuainlightfromthehearthshowed,byintervals,paperedwalls,carpet,curtains,shiningmahoganyfurniture:itarlour,notsospaciousorsplendidasthedrawing-roomatGateshead,butfortableenough.Iuzzlingtomakeoutthesubjectofapictureonthewall,whenthedooropened,andanindividualcarryingalightentered;anotherfollowedclosebehind.
Thefirstwasatallladywithdarkhair,darkeyes,andapaleandlargeforehead;herfigureartlyenvelopedinashawl,hertenancewasgrave,herbeari.
“Thechildisveryyoungtobesentalone,”saidshe,puttingherdledownoable.Shesideredmeattentivelyforamiwo,thenfurtheradded—
“Shehadbetterbeputtobedsoon;shelookstired:areyoutired?”sheasked,plagherhandonmyshoulder.
“Alittle,ma’am.”
“Andhungrytoo,nodoubt:letherhavesomesupperbeforeshegoestobed,MissMiller.Isthisthefirsttimeyouhaveleftyourparentstoetosylittlegirl?”
IexplaioherthatIhadnoparents.SheinquiredhowlongtheyhadbeehenhowoldIasmyname,whetherIcouldread,write,andsewalittle:theouchedmycheekgentlywithherforefinger,andsaying,“ShehopedIshouldbeagoodchild,”dismissedmealongwithMissMiller.
TheladyIhadleftmightbeabouttwenty-heoneithmeappearedsomeyearsyouhefirstimpressedmebyhervoice,look,andair.MissMillerwasmoreordinary;ruddyinplexion,thoughofacareworntenance;hurriedingaitanda,likeonewhohadalwaysamultiplicityoftasksonhand:shelooked,indeed,whatIafterwardsfoundshereallywas,aeacher.Ledbyher,Ipassedfrompartmenttopartment,frompassagetopassage,ofalargeandirregularbuilding;till,emergingfromthetotalandsomewhatdrearysilencepervadingthatportionofthehousewehadtraversed,onthehumofmanyvoices,alyenteredawide,longroom,withgreatdealtables,twoatead,oneachofwhichburntapairofdles,aedallroundonbenches,agregationofgirlsofeveryage,fromentotwenty.Seenbythedimlightofthedips,theiromeappearedtless,thoughnotiyexceediy;theywereuniformlydressedinbrownstufffrocksofquaintfashion,andlonghollandpinafores.Itwasthehourofstudy;theywereengagediniheirto-morrow’stask,andthehumIhadheardwasthebioftheirwhisperedrepetitions.
MissMillersigometositonabehedoor,thenwalkinguptothetopofthelongroomshecriedout—
“Monitors,collectthelesson-booksandputthemaway!Fourtallgirlsarosefromdifferenttables,andgoinground,gatheredthebooksandremovedthem.MissMilleragaihewordofand—
“Monitors,fetchthesupper-trays!”
Thetallgirlswentoutaurnedpresently,eachbearingatray,withportionsofsomething,Ikwhat,arrahereon,andapitcherofwaterandmuginthemiddleofeachtray.Theportionswerehandedround;thosewholikedtohtofthewater,themugbeingontoall.Whenitcametomyturn,Idrank,forIwasthirsty,butdidnottouchthefood,excitementandfatiguerenderingmeincapableofeating:Inoever,thatitwasathinoatencakesharedintments.
Themealover,prayerswerereadbyMissMiller,andtheclassesfiledoff,twoandtwo,upstairs.Overpoweredbythistimewithweariness,Iscaroticedwhatsortofaplacethebedroomwas,exceptthat,liketheschoolroom,Isawitwasverylong.To-nightIwastobeMissMiller’sbed-fellow;shehelpedmetoundress:whenlaiddownIglahelongrowsofbeds,eachofwhichwasquicklyfilledwithtwoocts;intenmihesinglelightwasextinguished,andamidstsilendpletedarknessIfellasleep.
Thenightpassedrapidly.Iwastootiredeventodream;Ionlyonceawoketohearthewindraveinfuriousgusts,andtherainfallintorrents,andtobesensiblethatMissMillerhadtakenherplacebymyside.WhenIagainunyeyes,aloudbellwasringing;thegirlswereupanddressing;dayhadbeguntodawn,andarushlightortwoburheroom.Itooroserelutly;itwasbittercold,andIdressedaswellasIcouldforshivering,andwashedwhentherewasabasinatliberty,whichdidnotoccursoon,astherewasbutonebasintosixgirls,oandsdownthemiddleoftheroom.Againthebellrang:allformediwoandtwo,andinthatorderdesdedthestairsaeredthecoldanddimlylitschoolroom:hereprayerswerereadbyMissMiller;afterwardsshecalledout—
“Formclasses!”
Agreattumultsucceededforsomeminutes,duringwhichMissMillerrepeatedlyexclaimed,“Silence!”and“Order!”Whenitsubsided,Isawthemalldrawnupinfoursemicircles,beforefourchairs,placedatthefourtables;allheldbooksintheirhands,andagreatbook,likeaBible,layoable,beforethevatseat.Apauseofsomesedssucceeded,filledupbythelow,vaguehumofnumbers;MissMillerwalkedfromclasstoclass,hushingthisindefinitesound.
Adistainkled:immediatelythreeladieseheroom,eachwalkedtoatableandtookherseat.MissMillerassumedthefourthvatchair,whichwasthathedoor,andaroundwhichthesmallestofthechildrenwereassembled:tothisinferiorclassIwascalled,andplacedatthebottomofit.
Businessnowbegan,theday’sCollecteated,theaisofScriptureweresaid,andtothesesucceededaprotractedreadingofchaptersintheBible,whichlastedanhour.Bythetimethatexercisewasterminated,dayhadfullydawheiigablebellnowsoundedforthefourthtime:theclassesweremarshalledandmarchedintoanotherroomtobreakfast:howgladIwastobeholdaprospectofgettingsomethi!Iwasnownearlysiinanition,havingtakensolittlethedaybefore.
Therefectorywasagreat,low-ceiled,gloomyroom;ontwolongtablessmokedbasinsofsomethinghot,which,however,tomydismay,sentforthanodourfarfrominviting.Isawauniversalmaionofdistehefumesoftherepastmetthenostrilsofthosedestioswallowit;fromthevanoftheprocessioallgirlsofthefirstclass,rosethewhisperedwords—
“Disgusting!Thepeisburntagain!”
“Silence!”ejaculatedavoiotthatofMissMiller,butoheupperteachers,alittleanddarkpersonage,smartlydressed,butofsomewhatmoroseaspect,whoinstalledherselfatthetopofoable,whileamorebuxomladypresidedattheother.IlookedinvainforherIhadfirstseenthenightbefore;shewasnotvisible:MissMilleroccupiedthefootofthetablewhereIsat,andastrange,fn-looking,elderlylady,theFrenchteacher,asIafterwardsfound,tookthecorresponditheotherboard.Alonggracewassaidandahymnsung;thenaservantbroughtieafortheteachers,andthemealbegan.
Ravenous,andnowveryfaint,Idevouredaspoonfulortwoofmyportionwithoutthinkingofitstaste;butthefirstedgeofhungerblunted,IperceivedIhadgotinhandanauseousmess;burntpeisalmostasbadasrottenpotatoes;famiselfsoonsisoverit.Thespoonsweremovedslowly:Isaweachgirltasteherfoodandtrytoswallowit;butinmostcasestheeffortwassoonrelinquished.Breakfastwasover,andnonehadbreakfasted.Thanksbeiurnedforwhatwehadnotgot,andasedhymnted,therefectorywasevacuatedfortheschoolroom.Iwasohelasttogoout,andinpassiables,Isawoeachertakeabasinofthepeandtasteit;shelookedattheothers;alltheirtenancesexpresseddispleasure,ahem,thestoutone,whispered—
“Abomiuff!Howshameful!”
Aquarterofanhourpassedbeforelessonsagainbegan,duringwhichtheschoolroomwasinaglorioustumult;forthatspaeitseemedtobepermittedtotalkloudandmorefreely,andtheyusedtheirprivilege.Thewholeversationranonthebreakfast,whieandallabusedroundly.Poorthings!itwasthesolesolationtheyhad.MissMillerwasnowtheonlyteacherintheroom:agroupirlsstandingaboutherspokewithseriousandsulleures.IheardthenameofMr.Brocklehurstpronouncedbysomelips;atwhichMissMillershookherheaddisapprovingly;butshemadeefforttocheekthegeneralwrath;doubtlessshesharedinit.
Aclotheschoolroomstrue;MissMillerlefthercircle,andstandinginthemiddleoftheroom,cried—
“Sileoyourseats!”
Disciplineprevailed:infivemihefusedthrongwasresolvedintoorder,andparativesilencequelledtheBabelclamouroftoheupperteachersnowpunctuallyresumedtheirposts:butstill,allseemedtowait.Rangedonbenchesdownthesidesoftheroom,theeightygirlssatmotionlessa;aquaintassemblagetheyappeared,allwithplainlobedfromtheirfaotacurlvisible;inbrowndresses,madehighandsurroundedbyanarrowtuckeraboutthethroat,withlittlepocketsofholland(shapedsomethinglikeaHighlander’spurse)tiedinfrontoftheirfrocks,aioservethepurposeofawork-bag:all,too,wearingwoollenstogsandtry-madeshoes,fastehbrassbuckles.Abovetwentyofthosecladinthisewerefull-growngirls,orratheryoungwomen;itsuitedthemill,andgaveanairofoddityeventotheprettiest.
Iwasstilllookingatthem,andalsoatintervalsexaminieachers—noneofwhompreciselypleasedme;forthestoutonewasalittlecoarse,thedarkoalittlefierce,thefnerharshandgrotesque,andMissMiller,poorthing!lookedpurple,weather-beaten,andover-worked—when,asmyeyewanderedfromfacetoface,thewholeschoolrosesimultaneously,asifmovedbya.
Whatwasthematter?Ihadheardniven:Iuzzled.EreIhadgatheredmywits,theclasseswereagaied:butasalleyeswerenowturoonepoint,minefollowedthegeneraldire,andenteredthepersonagewhohadreceivedmelastnight.Shestoodatthebottomofthelongroom,onthehearth;fortherewasafireatead;shesurveyedthetworowsofgirlssilentlyandgravely.MissMillerapproag,seemedtoaskheraquestion,andhavingreceivedheranswer,wentbacktoherpladsaidaloud—
“Monitorofthefirstclass,fetchtheglobes!”
Whilethedirewasbeied,theladysultedmovedslowlyuptheroom.IsupposeIhaveasiderableanofveion,forIretaihesenseofadmirihwhichmyeyestracedhersteps.Seennow,inbroaddaylight,shelookedtall,fair,andshapely;browhabenignantlightintheiririds,andafinepencillingoflonglashesround,relievedthewhitenessefront;oneachofhertemplesherhair,ofaverydarkbrown,wasclusteredinroundcurls,acctothefashionofthosetimes,whehersmoothbandsnriswereinvogue;herdress,alsointhemodeoftheday,urplecloth,relievedbyasortofSpanishtrimmingofblackvelvet;agoldwatch(watcheswerenotsoonthenasnow)shohergirdle.Letthereaderadd,topletethepicture,refiures;aplexion,ifpale,clear;andastatelyairandcarriage,andhewillhave,atleast,asclearlyaswordsgiveit,acorrectideaoftheexteriorofMissTemple—MariaTemple,asIafterwardssawtheteninaprayer-bookintrustedtometocarrytochurch.
ThesuperinteofLowood(forsuchwasthislady)havingtakenherseatbeforeapairofglobesplaohetables,summohefirstclassroundher,andencedgivingalessonongeography;thelowerclasseswerecalledbytheteachers:repetitionsinhistrammar,&c.,wentonforanhour;writingandarithmeticsucceeded,andmusiclessonsweregivenbyMissTempletosomeoftheeldergirls.Thedurationofeachlessonwasmeasuredbytheclock,whichatlaststrucktwelve.Thesuperinterose—
“Ihaveawordtoaddresstothepupils,”saidshe.
Thetumultofcessationfromlessonswasalreadybreakingforth,butitsankathervoice.Shewenton—
“Youhadthismabreakfastwhichyoucould;youmustbehungry:—Ihaveorderedthatalunchofbreadandcheeseshallbeservedtoall.”
Theteacherslookedatherwithasortofsurprise.
“Itistobedoneonmyresponsibility,”sheadded,inanexplanatorytohem,andimmediatelyafterwardslefttheroom.
Thebreadandcheeseresentlybroughtinanddistributed,tothehighdelightandrefreshmentofthewholeschool.Theorderwasnowgiven“Tothegarden!”Eachputonacoarsestrawbo,withstringsofcolouredcalidacloakofgreyfrieze.Iwassimilarlyequipped,and,followiream,Imademywayintotheopenair.
Thegardenwasawideinclosure,surrouhwallssohighastoexcludeeveryglimpseofprospect;acoveredverandahrandownoneside,andbroadwalksborderedamiddlespacedividedintoscoresoflittlebeds:thesebedswereassignedasgardensforthepupilstocultivate,andeachbedhadanowner.Whenfullofflowerstheywoulddoubtlesslookpretty;butnow,atthelatterendofJanuary,allwaswintryblightandbrowndecay.IshudderedasIstoodandlookedrouwasanidayforoutdoorexercise;notpositivelyrainy,butdarkenedbyadrizzlingyellowfog;allunderfootwasstillsoakihthefloodsofyesterday.Thestrongeramongthegirlsranaboutandengagedinactivegames,butsundrypaleandthinonesherdedtogetherforshelterandwarmthintheverandah;andamongstthese,asthedepeedtotheirshiveringframes,Iheardfrequentlythesoundofahollowcough.
AsyetIhadspokentonoone,nordidanybodyseemtotakenotie;Istoodlonelyenough:buttothatfeelingofisolationIwasaced;itdidnotoppressmemuch.Ileantagainstapillaroftheverandah,drewmygreymantlecloseaboutme,and,tryingtetthecoldwhiippedmewithout,andtheunsatisfiedhungerwhiawedmewithin,deliveredmyselfuptotheemploymentofwatgandthinking.Myreflesweretooundefinedandfragmentarytomeritrecord:IhardlyyetknewwhereIwas;Gatesheadandmypastlifeseemedfloatedawaytoanimmeasurabledistahepresentwasvagueandstrange,andofthefutureIcouldformnojecture.Ilookedroundthevent-likegarden,andthenupatthehouse—alargebuilding,halfofwhichseemedgreyandold,theotherhalfquitehenewpart,tainingtheschoolroomanddormitory,waslitbymullionedandlatticedwindows,whichgaveitachurch-likeaspect;astoabletoverthedoorborethisinscription:—
“LowoodInstitution.—ThisportionwasrebuiltA.D.—,byNaomiBrocklehurst,ofBrocklehurstHall,inthisty.”“Letyhtsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyoodworks,andglorifyyourFatherwhichisinheaven.”—St.Matt.v.16.
Ireadthesewordsoverandaihatanexplanationbelohem,andwasunablefullytopeetheirimport.Iwasstillpthesignificationof“Institution,”andendeavtomakeoutaebetweenthefirstwordsandtheverseofScripture,whenthesoundofacoughclosebehindmemademeturnmyhead.Isawagirlsittingonastonebenear;shewasbentoverabook,ontheperusalofwhichsheseemedi:fromwhereIstoodIcouldseethetitle—itwasRasselas;astruckmeasstrange,andsequentlyattractive.Inturningaleafshehappeolookup,andIsaidtoherdirectly—
“Isyourbookiing?”Ihadalreadyformedtheiionofaskiolendittomesomeday.
“Ilikeit,”sheanswered,afterapauseofasedortwwhichsheexaminedme.
“Whatisitabout?”Itinued.IhardlyknowwhereIfoundthehardihoodthustoopenaversationwithastrahestepwastrarytomynatureandhabits:butIthinkheroccupationtouchedachordofsympathysomewhere;forItoolikedreading,thoughofafrivolousandchildishkind;Icouldnotdigestorprehendtheseriousorsubstantial.
“Youmaylookatit,”repliedthegirl,methebook.
Ididso;abriefexaminationvihatthetentswerelesstakingthale:Rasselaslookeddulltomytriflingtaste;Isawnothingaboutfairies,nothingaboutgenii;nhtvarietyseemedspreadovertheclosely-printedpages.Ireturoher;shereceiveditquietly,andwithoutsayinganythingshewasabouttorelapseintoherformerstudiousmood:agaiuredtodisturbher—
“youtellmewhatthewritingonthatstohedoormeans?WhatisLowoodInstitution?”
“Thishousewhereyouareetolive.”
“AndwhydotheycallitInstitution?Isitinanywaydifferentfromotherschools?”
“Itispartlyacharity-school:youandI,andalltherestofus,arecharity-children.Isupposeyouareanorphaeitheryourfatheroryourmotherdead?”
“BothdiedbeforeIremember.”
“Well,allthegirlsherehavelosteitheroneorbothparents,andthisiscalledaninstitutionforedugorphans.”
“Dowepaynomoney?Dotheykeepusfornothing?”
“Wepay,orourfriendspay,fifteenpoundsayearforeach.”
“Thenwhydotheycalluscharity-children?”
“Becausefifteenpoundsisnotenoughforboardandteag,andthedeficyissuppliedbysubscription.”
“Whosubscribes?”
“Differentbenevolent-mindedladiesalemeninthisneighbourhoodandinLondon.”
“WhowasNaomiBrocklehurst?”
“Theladywhobuiltthenewpartofthishouseasthattabletrecords,andwhosesonoverlooksanddirectseverythinghere.”
“Why?”
“Becauseheistreasurerandmaheestablishment.”
“Thenthishousedoesnotbelongtothattallladywhowearsawatdwhosaidweweretohavesomebreadandcheese?”
“ToMissTemple?Oh,no!Iwishitdid:shehastoaoMr.Brocklehurstforallshedoes.Mr.Brocklehurstbuysallourfoodandallourclothes.”
“Doeshelivehere?”
“No—twomilesoff,atalargehall.”
“Isheagoodman?”
“Heisaclergyman,andissaidtodoagreatdealofgood.”
“DidyousaythattallladywascalledMissTemple?”
“Yes.”
“Andwhataretheotherteacherscalled?”
“TheohredcheeksiscalledMissSmith;sheattendstothework,andcutsout—forwemakeourownclothes,ourfrocks,andpelisses,ahing;thelittleohblackhairisMissScatcherd;sheteacheshistoryandgrammar,ahesedclassrepetitions;andtheonewhowearsashawl,andhasapocket-handkerchieftiedtohersidewithayellowribband,isMadamePierrot:sheesfromLisle,inFrandteachesFrench.”
“Doyouliketheteachers?”
“Wellenough.”
“Doyoulikethelittleblae,andtheMadame—?—Iotpronouncehernameasyoudo.”
“MissScatcherdishasty—youmusttakeottooffendher;MadamePierrotisnotabadsortofperson.”
“ButMissTempleisthebest—isn’tshe?”
“MissTempleisverygoodandveryclever;sheisabovetherest,becausesheknowsfarmorethantheydo.”
“Haveyoubeenlonghere?”
“Twoyears.”
“Areyouanorphan?”
“Mymotherisdead.”
“Areyouhappyhere?”
“Youaskrathertoomaions.Ihavegivenyouanswersenoughforthepresent:nowIwanttoread.”
Butatthatmomentthesummonssoundedfordinner;allre-ehehouse.Theodourwhiowfilledtherefectorywasscarcelymoreappetisingthanthatwhichhadregaledournostrilsatbreakfast:thedinnerwasservedintwohugetin-platedvessels,whenceroseastrongsteamredolentofrancidfat.Ifoundthemesstosistofindifferentpotatoesandstrangeshredsofrustymeat,mixedandcookedtogether.Ofthispreparationatolerablyabundantplatefulortiooeachpupil.IatewhatIcould,andwohinmyselfwhethereveryday’sfarewouldbelikethis.
Afterdinner,weimmediatelyadjourheschoolroom:lessonsreenced,andweretiillfiveo’clock.
Theonlymarkedeventoftheafternoonwas,thatIsawthegirlwithwhomIhadversedintheverandahdismissedindisgracebyMissScatcherdfromahistoryclass,aostandinthemiddleofthelargeschoolroom.Thepunishmeomeinahighdegreeignominious,especiallyfreatagirl—shelookedthirteenorupwards.Iexpectedshewouldshowsignsofgreatdistressandshame;buttomysurprisesheherweptnorblushed:posed,thoughgrave,shestood,thetralmarkofalleyes.“Howshebearitsoquietly—sofirmly?”Iaskedofmyself.“WereIinherplace,itseemstomeIshouldwishtheearthtoopenandswallowmeup.Shelooksasifshewerethinkingofsomethingbeyondherpunishment—beyouation:ofsomethingnotroundhernorbeforeher.Ihaveheardofday-dreams—issheinaday-dreamnow?Hereyesarefixedonthefloor,butIamsuretheydo—hersightseemsturnedin,gonedownintoherheart:sheislookingatwhatsheremember,Ibelieve;notatwhatisreallypresent.Iwonderwhatsortofagirlsheis—whetherghty.”
Soonafterfivep.m.wehadanothermeal,sistingofasmallmugofcoffee,andhalf-a-sliceofbrownbread.Idevouredmybreadanddrankmycoffeewithrelish;butIshouldhavebeengladofasmuchmore—Iwasstillhungry.Half-an-hour’srecreationsucceeded,thenstudy;thentheglassofwaterandthepieceofoat-cake,prayers,andbed.SuchwasmyfirstdayatLowood.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
“No,Bessie:shecametomycriblastnightwhenyonedowntosupper,andsaidIdisturbherinthem,ormycousiher;aoldmetorememberthatshehadalwaysbeefriend,andtospeakofheraefultoheraccly.”
“Whatdidyousay,Miss?”
“Nothing:Icoveredmyfacewiththebedclothes,andturnedfromhertothewall.”
“Thatwaswrong,MissJane.”
“Itwasquiteright,Bessie.YourMissishasnotbeenmyfriend:shehasbeenmyfoe.”
“OMissJane!don’tsayso!”
“Good-byetoGateshead!”criedI,aswepassedthroughthehallaoutatthefrontdoor.
Themoonwasset,anditwasverydark;Bessiecarriedalantern,whoselightglanwetstepsandgravelroadsoddenbyaretthaw.Rawandchillwasthewinterm:myteethchatteredasIhasteneddownthedrive.Therewasalightier’slodge:whenwereachedit,wefouer’swifejustkindlingherfire:mytrunk,whichhadbeencarrieddowntheeveningbefore,stoodcordedatthedoor.Itwaafewminutesofsix,andshortlyafterthathourhadstruck,thedistantrollofwheelsannouheingcoach;Iwenttothedoorandwatcheditslampsapproachrapidlythroughthegloom.
“Isshegoingbyherself?”askedtheporter’swife.
“Yes.”
“Andhowfarisit?”
“Fiftymiles.”
“Whatalongway!IwonderMrs.Reedisnotafraidtotrusthersofaralone.”
Thecoachdrewup;thereitwasatthegateswithitsfourhorsesanditstopladenwithpasseheguardandanloudlyurgedhaste;mytrunkwashoistedup;IwastakenfromBessie’sowhichIgwithkisses.
“Besureandtakegoodcareofher,”criedshetotheguard,asheliftedmeintotheinside.
“Ay,ay!”wastheahedoorwasslappedto,avoiceexclaimed“Allright,”andonwedrove.ThuswasIseveredfromBessieandGateshead;thuswhirledawaytounknown,and,asIthendeemed,remoteandmysteriions.
Irememberbutlittleofthejourney;Ionlyknowthatthedayseemedtomeofapreternaturallength,andthatearedtotraveloverhundredsofmilesofroad.Wepassedthroughseveraltowns,andinone,averylargeohecoachstopped;thehorsesweretakenout,andthepassengersalightedtodine.Iwascarriedintoaninheguardwaohavesomedinner;but,asIhadnoappetite,heleftmeinanimmenseroomwithafireplaceatead,adelierpefromtheceiling,andalittleredgalleryhighupagainstthewallfilledwithmusistruments.HereIwalkedaboutforalongtime,feelirange,andmortallyapprehensiveofsomeoneinginandkidnappingme;forIbelievedinkidheirexploitshavingfrequentlyfiguredinBessie’sfiresideicles.Atlasttheguardreturned;oncemoreIwasstowedawayinthecoach,myproteountedhisow,soundedhishollowhorn,andawaywerattledoverthe“stonystreet”ofL-.
Theafternooncameoandsomewhatmisty:asitwaodusk,IbegahatweweregettingveryfarindeedfromGateshead:weceasedtopassthroughtowns;thetryged;greatgreyhillsheaveduproundthehorizon:astwilightdeepened,wedesdedavalley,darkwithwood,andlongafternighthadovercloudedtheprospect,Iheardawildwindrushingamongsttrees.
Lulledbythesound,Iatlastdroppedasleep;Ihadnotlongslumberedwhenthesuddeionofmotionawokeme;thecoach-dooren,andapersonlikeaservantwasstandingatit:Isawherfaddressbythelightofthelamps.
“IstherealittlegirlcalledJaneEyrehere?”sheasked.Ianswered“Yes,”andwasthenliftedout;mytrunkwashandeddown,andthecoastantlydroveaway.
Iwasstiffwithlongsitting,andbewilderedwiththenoiseandmotionofthecoach:Gatheringmyfaculties,Ilookedaboutme.Rain,wind,anddarknessfilledtheair;heless,Idimlydisedawallbeforemeandadooropeninit;throughthisdoorIpassedwithmynewguide:sheshutandlockeditbehiherewasnowvisibleahouseorhouses—forthebuildingspreadfar—withmanywindows,andlightsburninginsome;wewentupabroadpebblypath,splashi,andwereadmittedatadoor;thentheservahroughapassageintoaroomwithafire,wheresheleftmealone.
Istoodandwarmedmynumbedfingersovertheblaze,thenIlookedround;therewasnodle,buttheuainlightfromthehearthshowed,byintervals,paperedwalls,carpet,curtains,shiningmahoganyfurniture:itarlour,notsospaciousorsplendidasthedrawing-roomatGateshead,butfortableenough.Iuzzlingtomakeoutthesubjectofapictureonthewall,whenthedooropened,andanindividualcarryingalightentered;anotherfollowedclosebehind.
Thefirstwasatallladywithdarkhair,darkeyes,andapaleandlargeforehead;herfigureartlyenvelopedinashawl,hertenancewasgrave,herbeari.
“Thechildisveryyoungtobesentalone,”saidshe,puttingherdledownoable.Shesideredmeattentivelyforamiwo,thenfurtheradded—
“Shehadbetterbeputtobedsoon;shelookstired:areyoutired?”sheasked,plagherhandonmyshoulder.
“Alittle,ma’am.”
“Andhungrytoo,nodoubt:letherhavesomesupperbeforeshegoestobed,MissMiller.Isthisthefirsttimeyouhaveleftyourparentstoetosylittlegirl?”
IexplaioherthatIhadnoparents.SheinquiredhowlongtheyhadbeehenhowoldIasmyname,whetherIcouldread,write,andsewalittle:theouchedmycheekgentlywithherforefinger,andsaying,“ShehopedIshouldbeagoodchild,”dismissedmealongwithMissMiller.
TheladyIhadleftmightbeabouttwenty-heoneithmeappearedsomeyearsyouhefirstimpressedmebyhervoice,look,andair.MissMillerwasmoreordinary;ruddyinplexion,thoughofacareworntenance;hurriedingaitanda,likeonewhohadalwaysamultiplicityoftasksonhand:shelooked,indeed,whatIafterwardsfoundshereallywas,aeacher.Ledbyher,Ipassedfrompartmenttopartment,frompassagetopassage,ofalargeandirregularbuilding;till,emergingfromthetotalandsomewhatdrearysilencepervadingthatportionofthehousewehadtraversed,onthehumofmanyvoices,alyenteredawide,longroom,withgreatdealtables,twoatead,oneachofwhichburntapairofdles,aedallroundonbenches,agregationofgirlsofeveryage,fromentotwenty.Seenbythedimlightofthedips,theiromeappearedtless,thoughnotiyexceediy;theywereuniformlydressedinbrownstufffrocksofquaintfashion,andlonghollandpinafores.Itwasthehourofstudy;theywereengagediniheirto-morrow’stask,andthehumIhadheardwasthebioftheirwhisperedrepetitions.
MissMillersigometositonabehedoor,thenwalkinguptothetopofthelongroomshecriedout—
“Monitors,collectthelesson-booksandputthemaway!Fourtallgirlsarosefromdifferenttables,andgoinground,gatheredthebooksandremovedthem.MissMilleragaihewordofand—
“Monitors,fetchthesupper-trays!”
Thetallgirlswentoutaurnedpresently,eachbearingatray,withportionsofsomething,Ikwhat,arrahereon,andapitcherofwaterandmuginthemiddleofeachtray.Theportionswerehandedround;thosewholikedtohtofthewater,themugbeingontoall.Whenitcametomyturn,Idrank,forIwasthirsty,butdidnottouchthefood,excitementandfatiguerenderingmeincapableofeating:Inoever,thatitwasathinoatencakesharedintments.
Themealover,prayerswerereadbyMissMiller,andtheclassesfiledoff,twoandtwo,upstairs.Overpoweredbythistimewithweariness,Iscaroticedwhatsortofaplacethebedroomwas,exceptthat,liketheschoolroom,Isawitwasverylong.To-nightIwastobeMissMiller’sbed-fellow;shehelpedmetoundress:whenlaiddownIglahelongrowsofbeds,eachofwhichwasquicklyfilledwithtwoocts;intenmihesinglelightwasextinguished,andamidstsilendpletedarknessIfellasleep.
Thenightpassedrapidly.Iwastootiredeventodream;Ionlyonceawoketohearthewindraveinfuriousgusts,andtherainfallintorrents,andtobesensiblethatMissMillerhadtakenherplacebymyside.WhenIagainunyeyes,aloudbellwasringing;thegirlswereupanddressing;dayhadbeguntodawn,andarushlightortwoburheroom.Itooroserelutly;itwasbittercold,andIdressedaswellasIcouldforshivering,andwashedwhentherewasabasinatliberty,whichdidnotoccursoon,astherewasbutonebasintosixgirls,oandsdownthemiddleoftheroom.Againthebellrang:allformediwoandtwo,andinthatorderdesdedthestairsaeredthecoldanddimlylitschoolroom:hereprayerswerereadbyMissMiller;afterwardsshecalledout—
“Formclasses!”
Agreattumultsucceededforsomeminutes,duringwhichMissMillerrepeatedlyexclaimed,“Silence!”and“Order!”Whenitsubsided,Isawthemalldrawnupinfoursemicircles,beforefourchairs,placedatthefourtables;allheldbooksintheirhands,andagreatbook,likeaBible,layoable,beforethevatseat.Apauseofsomesedssucceeded,filledupbythelow,vaguehumofnumbers;MissMillerwalkedfromclasstoclass,hushingthisindefinitesound.
Adistainkled:immediatelythreeladieseheroom,eachwalkedtoatableandtookherseat.MissMillerassumedthefourthvatchair,whichwasthathedoor,andaroundwhichthesmallestofthechildrenwereassembled:tothisinferiorclassIwascalled,andplacedatthebottomofit.
Businessnowbegan,theday’sCollecteated,theaisofScriptureweresaid,andtothesesucceededaprotractedreadingofchaptersintheBible,whichlastedanhour.Bythetimethatexercisewasterminated,dayhadfullydawheiigablebellnowsoundedforthefourthtime:theclassesweremarshalledandmarchedintoanotherroomtobreakfast:howgladIwastobeholdaprospectofgettingsomethi!Iwasnownearlysiinanition,havingtakensolittlethedaybefore.
Therefectorywasagreat,low-ceiled,gloomyroom;ontwolongtablessmokedbasinsofsomethinghot,which,however,tomydismay,sentforthanodourfarfrominviting.Isawauniversalmaionofdistehefumesoftherepastmetthenostrilsofthosedestioswallowit;fromthevanoftheprocessioallgirlsofthefirstclass,rosethewhisperedwords—
“Disgusting!Thepeisburntagain!”
“Silence!”ejaculatedavoiotthatofMissMiller,butoheupperteachers,alittleanddarkpersonage,smartlydressed,butofsomewhatmoroseaspect,whoinstalledherselfatthetopofoable,whileamorebuxomladypresidedattheother.IlookedinvainforherIhadfirstseenthenightbefore;shewasnotvisible:MissMilleroccupiedthefootofthetablewhereIsat,andastrange,fn-looking,elderlylady,theFrenchteacher,asIafterwardsfound,tookthecorresponditheotherboard.Alonggracewassaidandahymnsung;thenaservantbroughtieafortheteachers,andthemealbegan.
Ravenous,andnowveryfaint,Idevouredaspoonfulortwoofmyportionwithoutthinkingofitstaste;butthefirstedgeofhungerblunted,IperceivedIhadgotinhandanauseousmess;burntpeisalmostasbadasrottenpotatoes;famiselfsoonsisoverit.Thespoonsweremovedslowly:Isaweachgirltasteherfoodandtrytoswallowit;butinmostcasestheeffortwassoonrelinquished.Breakfastwasover,andnonehadbreakfasted.Thanksbeiurnedforwhatwehadnotgot,andasedhymnted,therefectorywasevacuatedfortheschoolroom.Iwasohelasttogoout,andinpassiables,Isawoeachertakeabasinofthepeandtasteit;shelookedattheothers;alltheirtenancesexpresseddispleasure,ahem,thestoutone,whispered—
“Abomiuff!Howshameful!”
Aquarterofanhourpassedbeforelessonsagainbegan,duringwhichtheschoolroomwasinaglorioustumult;forthatspaeitseemedtobepermittedtotalkloudandmorefreely,andtheyusedtheirprivilege.Thewholeversationranonthebreakfast,whieandallabusedroundly.Poorthings!itwasthesolesolationtheyhad.MissMillerwasnowtheonlyteacherintheroom:agroupirlsstandingaboutherspokewithseriousandsulleures.IheardthenameofMr.Brocklehurstpronouncedbysomelips;atwhichMissMillershookherheaddisapprovingly;butshemadeefforttocheekthegeneralwrath;doubtlessshesharedinit.
Aclotheschoolroomstrue;MissMillerlefthercircle,andstandinginthemiddleoftheroom,cried—
“Sileoyourseats!”
Disciplineprevailed:infivemihefusedthrongwasresolvedintoorder,andparativesilencequelledtheBabelclamouroftoheupperteachersnowpunctuallyresumedtheirposts:butstill,allseemedtowait.Rangedonbenchesdownthesidesoftheroom,theeightygirlssatmotionlessa;aquaintassemblagetheyappeared,allwithplainlobedfromtheirfaotacurlvisible;inbrowndresses,madehighandsurroundedbyanarrowtuckeraboutthethroat,withlittlepocketsofholland(shapedsomethinglikeaHighlander’spurse)tiedinfrontoftheirfrocks,aioservethepurposeofawork-bag:all,too,wearingwoollenstogsandtry-madeshoes,fastehbrassbuckles.Abovetwentyofthosecladinthisewerefull-growngirls,orratheryoungwomen;itsuitedthemill,andgaveanairofoddityeventotheprettiest.
Iwasstilllookingatthem,andalsoatintervalsexaminieachers—noneofwhompreciselypleasedme;forthestoutonewasalittlecoarse,thedarkoalittlefierce,thefnerharshandgrotesque,andMissMiller,poorthing!lookedpurple,weather-beaten,andover-worked—when,asmyeyewanderedfromfacetoface,thewholeschoolrosesimultaneously,asifmovedbya.
Whatwasthematter?Ihadheardniven:Iuzzled.EreIhadgatheredmywits,theclasseswereagaied:butasalleyeswerenowturoonepoint,minefollowedthegeneraldire,andenteredthepersonagewhohadreceivedmelastnight.Shestoodatthebottomofthelongroom,onthehearth;fortherewasafireatead;shesurveyedthetworowsofgirlssilentlyandgravely.MissMillerapproag,seemedtoaskheraquestion,andhavingreceivedheranswer,wentbacktoherpladsaidaloud—
“Monitorofthefirstclass,fetchtheglobes!”
Whilethedirewasbeied,theladysultedmovedslowlyuptheroom.IsupposeIhaveasiderableanofveion,forIretaihesenseofadmirihwhichmyeyestracedhersteps.Seennow,inbroaddaylight,shelookedtall,fair,andshapely;browhabenignantlightintheiririds,andafinepencillingoflonglashesround,relievedthewhitenessefront;oneachofhertemplesherhair,ofaverydarkbrown,wasclusteredinroundcurls,acctothefashionofthosetimes,whehersmoothbandsnriswereinvogue;herdress,alsointhemodeoftheday,urplecloth,relievedbyasortofSpanishtrimmingofblackvelvet;agoldwatch(watcheswerenotsoonthenasnow)shohergirdle.Letthereaderadd,topletethepicture,refiures;aplexion,ifpale,clear;andastatelyairandcarriage,andhewillhave,atleast,asclearlyaswordsgiveit,acorrectideaoftheexteriorofMissTemple—MariaTemple,asIafterwardssawtheteninaprayer-bookintrustedtometocarrytochurch.
ThesuperinteofLowood(forsuchwasthislady)havingtakenherseatbeforeapairofglobesplaohetables,summohefirstclassroundher,andencedgivingalessonongeography;thelowerclasseswerecalledbytheteachers:repetitionsinhistrammar,&c.,wentonforanhour;writingandarithmeticsucceeded,andmusiclessonsweregivenbyMissTempletosomeoftheeldergirls.Thedurationofeachlessonwasmeasuredbytheclock,whichatlaststrucktwelve.Thesuperinterose—
“Ihaveawordtoaddresstothepupils,”saidshe.
Thetumultofcessationfromlessonswasalreadybreakingforth,butitsankathervoice.Shewenton—
“Youhadthismabreakfastwhichyoucould;youmustbehungry:—Ihaveorderedthatalunchofbreadandcheeseshallbeservedtoall.”
Theteacherslookedatherwithasortofsurprise.
“Itistobedoneonmyresponsibility,”sheadded,inanexplanatorytohem,andimmediatelyafterwardslefttheroom.
Thebreadandcheeseresentlybroughtinanddistributed,tothehighdelightandrefreshmentofthewholeschool.Theorderwasnowgiven“Tothegarden!”Eachputonacoarsestrawbo,withstringsofcolouredcalidacloakofgreyfrieze.Iwassimilarlyequipped,and,followiream,Imademywayintotheopenair.
Thegardenwasawideinclosure,surrouhwallssohighastoexcludeeveryglimpseofprospect;acoveredverandahrandownoneside,andbroadwalksborderedamiddlespacedividedintoscoresoflittlebeds:thesebedswereassignedasgardensforthepupilstocultivate,andeachbedhadanowner.Whenfullofflowerstheywoulddoubtlesslookpretty;butnow,atthelatterendofJanuary,allwaswintryblightandbrowndecay.IshudderedasIstoodandlookedrouwasanidayforoutdoorexercise;notpositivelyrainy,butdarkenedbyadrizzlingyellowfog;allunderfootwasstillsoakihthefloodsofyesterday.Thestrongeramongthegirlsranaboutandengagedinactivegames,butsundrypaleandthinonesherdedtogetherforshelterandwarmthintheverandah;andamongstthese,asthedepeedtotheirshiveringframes,Iheardfrequentlythesoundofahollowcough.
AsyetIhadspokentonoone,nordidanybodyseemtotakenotie;Istoodlonelyenough:buttothatfeelingofisolationIwasaced;itdidnotoppressmemuch.Ileantagainstapillaroftheverandah,drewmygreymantlecloseaboutme,and,tryingtetthecoldwhiippedmewithout,andtheunsatisfiedhungerwhiawedmewithin,deliveredmyselfuptotheemploymentofwatgandthinking.Myreflesweretooundefinedandfragmentarytomeritrecord:IhardlyyetknewwhereIwas;Gatesheadandmypastlifeseemedfloatedawaytoanimmeasurabledistahepresentwasvagueandstrange,andofthefutureIcouldformnojecture.Ilookedroundthevent-likegarden,andthenupatthehouse—alargebuilding,halfofwhichseemedgreyandold,theotherhalfquitehenewpart,tainingtheschoolroomanddormitory,waslitbymullionedandlatticedwindows,whichgaveitachurch-likeaspect;astoabletoverthedoorborethisinscription:—
“LowoodInstitution.—ThisportionwasrebuiltA.D.—,byNaomiBrocklehurst,ofBrocklehurstHall,inthisty.”“Letyhtsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyoodworks,andglorifyyourFatherwhichisinheaven.”—St.Matt.v.16.
Ireadthesewordsoverandaihatanexplanationbelohem,andwasunablefullytopeetheirimport.Iwasstillpthesignificationof“Institution,”andendeavtomakeoutaebetweenthefirstwordsandtheverseofScripture,whenthesoundofacoughclosebehindmemademeturnmyhead.Isawagirlsittingonastonebenear;shewasbentoverabook,ontheperusalofwhichsheseemedi:fromwhereIstoodIcouldseethetitle—itwasRasselas;astruckmeasstrange,andsequentlyattractive.Inturningaleafshehappeolookup,andIsaidtoherdirectly—
“Isyourbookiing?”Ihadalreadyformedtheiionofaskiolendittomesomeday.
“Ilikeit,”sheanswered,afterapauseofasedortwwhichsheexaminedme.
“Whatisitabout?”Itinued.IhardlyknowwhereIfoundthehardihoodthustoopenaversationwithastrahestepwastrarytomynatureandhabits:butIthinkheroccupationtouchedachordofsympathysomewhere;forItoolikedreading,thoughofafrivolousandchildishkind;Icouldnotdigestorprehendtheseriousorsubstantial.
“Youmaylookatit,”repliedthegirl,methebook.
Ididso;abriefexaminationvihatthetentswerelesstakingthale:Rasselaslookeddulltomytriflingtaste;Isawnothingaboutfairies,nothingaboutgenii;nhtvarietyseemedspreadovertheclosely-printedpages.Ireturoher;shereceiveditquietly,andwithoutsayinganythingshewasabouttorelapseintoherformerstudiousmood:agaiuredtodisturbher—
“youtellmewhatthewritingonthatstohedoormeans?WhatisLowoodInstitution?”
“Thishousewhereyouareetolive.”
“AndwhydotheycallitInstitution?Isitinanywaydifferentfromotherschools?”
“Itispartlyacharity-school:youandI,andalltherestofus,arecharity-children.Isupposeyouareanorphaeitheryourfatheroryourmotherdead?”
“BothdiedbeforeIremember.”
“Well,allthegirlsherehavelosteitheroneorbothparents,andthisiscalledaninstitutionforedugorphans.”
“Dowepaynomoney?Dotheykeepusfornothing?”
“Wepay,orourfriendspay,fifteenpoundsayearforeach.”
“Thenwhydotheycalluscharity-children?”
“Becausefifteenpoundsisnotenoughforboardandteag,andthedeficyissuppliedbysubscription.”
“Whosubscribes?”
“Differentbenevolent-mindedladiesalemeninthisneighbourhoodandinLondon.”
“WhowasNaomiBrocklehurst?”
“Theladywhobuiltthenewpartofthishouseasthattabletrecords,andwhosesonoverlooksanddirectseverythinghere.”
“Why?”
“Becauseheistreasurerandmaheestablishment.”
“Thenthishousedoesnotbelongtothattallladywhowearsawatdwhosaidweweretohavesomebreadandcheese?”
“ToMissTemple?Oh,no!Iwishitdid:shehastoaoMr.Brocklehurstforallshedoes.Mr.Brocklehurstbuysallourfoodandallourclothes.”
“Doeshelivehere?”
“No—twomilesoff,atalargehall.”
“Isheagoodman?”
“Heisaclergyman,andissaidtodoagreatdealofgood.”
“DidyousaythattallladywascalledMissTemple?”
“Yes.”
“Andwhataretheotherteacherscalled?”
“TheohredcheeksiscalledMissSmith;sheattendstothework,andcutsout—forwemakeourownclothes,ourfrocks,andpelisses,ahing;thelittleohblackhairisMissScatcherd;sheteacheshistoryandgrammar,ahesedclassrepetitions;andtheonewhowearsashawl,andhasapocket-handkerchieftiedtohersidewithayellowribband,isMadamePierrot:sheesfromLisle,inFrandteachesFrench.”
“Doyouliketheteachers?”
“Wellenough.”
“Doyoulikethelittleblae,andtheMadame—?—Iotpronouncehernameasyoudo.”
“MissScatcherdishasty—youmusttakeottooffendher;MadamePierrotisnotabadsortofperson.”
“ButMissTempleisthebest—isn’tshe?”
“MissTempleisverygoodandveryclever;sheisabovetherest,becausesheknowsfarmorethantheydo.”
“Haveyoubeenlonghere?”
“Twoyears.”
“Areyouanorphan?”
“Mymotherisdead.”
“Areyouhappyhere?”
“Youaskrathertoomaions.Ihavegivenyouanswersenoughforthepresent:nowIwanttoread.”
Butatthatmomentthesummonssoundedfordinner;allre-ehehouse.Theodourwhiowfilledtherefectorywasscarcelymoreappetisingthanthatwhichhadregaledournostrilsatbreakfast:thedinnerwasservedintwohugetin-platedvessels,whenceroseastrongsteamredolentofrancidfat.Ifoundthemesstosistofindifferentpotatoesandstrangeshredsofrustymeat,mixedandcookedtogether.Ofthispreparationatolerablyabundantplatefulortiooeachpupil.IatewhatIcould,andwohinmyselfwhethereveryday’sfarewouldbelikethis.
Afterdinner,weimmediatelyadjourheschoolroom:lessonsreenced,andweretiillfiveo’clock.
Theonlymarkedeventoftheafternoonwas,thatIsawthegirlwithwhomIhadversedintheverandahdismissedindisgracebyMissScatcherdfromahistoryclass,aostandinthemiddleofthelargeschoolroom.Thepunishmeomeinahighdegreeignominious,especiallyfreatagirl—shelookedthirteenorupwards.Iexpectedshewouldshowsignsofgreatdistressandshame;buttomysurprisesheherweptnorblushed:posed,thoughgrave,shestood,thetralmarkofalleyes.“Howshebearitsoquietly—sofirmly?”Iaskedofmyself.“WereIinherplace,itseemstomeIshouldwishtheearthtoopenandswallowmeup.Shelooksasifshewerethinkingofsomethingbeyondherpunishment—beyouation:ofsomethingnotroundhernorbeforeher.Ihaveheardofday-dreams—issheinaday-dreamnow?Hereyesarefixedonthefloor,butIamsuretheydo—hersightseemsturnedin,gonedownintoherheart:sheislookingatwhatsheremember,Ibelieve;notatwhatisreallypresent.Iwonderwhatsortofagirlsheis—whetherghty.”
Soonafterfivep.m.wehadanothermeal,sistingofasmallmugofcoffee,andhalf-a-sliceofbrownbread.Idevouredmybreadanddrankmycoffeewithrelish;butIshouldhavebeengladofasmuchmore—Iwasstillhungry.Half-an-hour’srecreationsucceeded,thenstudy;thentheglassofwaterandthepieceofoat-cake,prayers,andbed.SuchwasmyfirstdayatLowood.松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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