Chapter 11
Aneterinanovelissomethinglikeanewseinaplay;andwhenIdrawupthecurtainthistime,reader,youmustfancyyouseearoomintheGeeInnatMillcote,withsuchlargefiguredpaperingonthewallsasinnroomshave;suchacarpet,suchfurniture,suentsoelpiece,suchprints,includingaportraitofGeetheThird,andahePrinceofWales,andarepresentationofthedeathofWolfe.Allthisisvisibletoyoubythelightofanoillamphangingfromtheceiling,andbythatofanexcellentfire,nearwhichIsitinmycloakandbo;mymuffandumbrellalieoable,andIamwarmingawaythenumbnessandchilltractedbysixteenhours’exposuretotherawnessofanOctoberday:IleftLowtonatfouro’clocka.m.,andtheMillcotetowncloowjuststriki.
Reader,thoughIlookfortablyaodated,Iamranquilinmymind.Ithoughtwhenthecoachstoppedheretherewouldbesomeoomeetme;IlookedanxiouslyroundasIdesdedthewoodehe“boots”playvenience,expegtohearmynamepronounced,andtoseesomedescriptionewaitingtoveymetoThornfield.Nothingofthesortwasvisible;andwhenIaskedawaiterifanyonehadbeentoinquireafteraMissEyre,Iwasansweredintheive:soIhadnoresourcebuttorequesttobeshownintoaprivateroom:andhereIamwaiting,whileallsortsofdoubtsandfearsaretroublingmythoughts.
Itisaverystraiontoinexperiencedyouthtofeelitselfquitealoheworld,cutadriftfromeverye,uaihertheporttowhichitisboundbereached,aedbymanyimpedimentsfromreturningtothatithasquitted.Thecharmofadventuresweetensthatsensation,theglowofpridewarmsit;butthehroboffeardisturbsit;andfearwithmebecamepredominantwhenhalf-an-hourelapsedandstillIwasalone.Ibethoughtmyselftthebell.
“IsthereaplathisneighbourhoodcalledThornfield?”Iaskedofthewaiterwhoahesummons.
“Thornfield?Idon’tknow,ma’am;I’llinquireatthebar.”Hevanished,butreappearedinstantly—
“IsyournameEyre,Miss?”
“Yes.”
“Persoingforyou.”
Ijumpedup,tookmymuffandumbrella,andhasteotheinn-passage:amanwasstandingbytheopendoor,andinthelamp-litstreetIdimlysawaone-horseveyance.
“Thiswillbeyage,Isuppose?”saidthemanratherabruptlywhenhesawme,pointingtomytrunkinthepassage.
“Yes.”Hehoisteditontothevehicle,whichwasasortofcar,andthenIgotin;beforeheshutmeup,IaskedhimhowfaritwastoThornfield.
“Amatterofsixmiles.”
“Howlongshallwebebefetthere?”
“Happenanhourandahalf.”
Hefastehecardoor,climbedtohisowoutside,aoff.resswasleisurely,andgavemeampletimetoreflect;Iwastenttobeatlengthsoheendofmyjourney;andasIleanedbathefortablethoughnotelegantveyance,Imeditatedmuchatmyease.
“Isuppose,”thoughtI,“judgingfromtheplainnessoftheservantandcarriage,Mrs.Fairfaxisnotaverydashingperson:somuchthebetter;IneverlivedamongstfinepeoplebutondIwasverymiserablewiththem.Iwonderifshelivesaloneexceptthislittlegirl;ifso,andifsheisinanydegreeamiable,Ishallsurelybeabletogetonwithher;Iwilldomybest;itisapitythatdoingone’sbestdoesnotalwaysaLowood,iookthatresolutio,andsucceededinpleasing;butwithMrs.Reed,Iremembermybestwasalurhs.IprayGodMrs.Fairfaxmaynotturnoutasers.Reed;butifshedoes,Iamnotboundtostaywithher!lettheworstetotheworst,Iadvertiseagain.Howfarareweonourroadnow,Iwonder?”
Iletdownthewindowandlookedout;Millcotewasbehindus;judgingbythenumberofitslights,itseemedaplaceofsiderablemagnitude,muchlargerthanLowton.Wewerenow,asfarasIcouldsee,onasortofon;buttherewerehousesscatteredalloverthedistrict;IfeltwewereinadifferentregiontoLowood,morepopulous,lesspicturesque;morestirring,lessromantic.
Theroadswereheavy,thenightmisty;myductorlethishorsewalkalltheway,andthehourandahalfextended,Iverifybelieve,totwohours;atlastheturnedinhisseatandsaid—
“You’renoansofarfro’Thornfieldnow.”
AgainIlookedout:wewerepassingachurch;Isawitslowbroadtainstthesky,anditsbellwastollingaquarter;Isawanarrowgalaxyoflightstoo,onahillside,markingavillageorhamlet.Abouttenmier,thedrivergotdoenedapairofgates:wepassedthrough,andtheyclashedtobehindus.lyasdedadrive,andcameuponthelongfrontofahouse:dlelightgleamedfromoainedbow-window;alltherestweredark.Thecarstoppedatthefrontdoor;itenedbyamaid-servant;Ialightedain.
“Willyouwalkthisway,ma’am?”saidthegirl;andIfollowedheracrossasquarehallwithhighdoorsallround:sheusheredmeintoaroomwhosedoubleilluminationoffireanddleatfirstdazzledme,trastingasitdidwiththedarkowhichmyeyeshadbeenfortwohoursinured;whenIcouldsee,however,acosyandagreeablepicturepreseselftomyview.
Asnugsmallroom;aroundtablebyacheerfulfire;anarm-chairhigh-backedandold-fashioned,whereinsattheimagileelderlylady,inwido,blacksilkgown,andsnowymuslinaprolylikewhatIhadfanciedMrs.Fairfax,oatelyandmilderlooking.Shewasoccupiedinknitting;alargecatsatdemurelyatherfeet;nothinginshortwaswantingtopletethebeau-idealofdomestifort.Amorereassuringintroduforanewgovernesscouldscarcelybeceived;therewasnograooverwhelm,nostatelioembarrass;andthen,asIeheoldladygotupandpromptlyandkindlycameforwardtomeetme.
“Howdoyoudo,mydear?Iamafraidyouhavehadatediousride;Johndrivessoslowly;youmustbecold,etothefire.”
“Mrs.Fairfax,Isuppose?”saidI.
“Yes,yht:dositdown.”
Sheductedmetoherownchair,andtheoremovemyshawlanduntiemyborings;Ibeggedshewouldnotgiveherselfsomuchtrouble.
“Oh,itisnotrouble;Idaresayyourownhandsarealmosthcold.Leah,makealittlehotnegusandcutasandwichortwo:herearethekeysofthestoreroom.”
Andsheproducedfromherpocketamosthousewifelybunchofkeys,anddeliveredthemtotheservant.
“Now,then,drawhefire,”shetinued.“You’vebroughtyagewithyou,haven’tyou,mydear?”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“I’llseeitcarriedintoyourroom,”shesaid,andbustledout.
“Shetreatsmelikeavisitor,”thoughtI.“Ilittleexpectedsuchareception;IanticipatedonlyessandstiffhisisnotlikewhatIhaveheardofthetreatmentofgovernesses;butImusttoosoon.”
Shereturned;withherownhandsclearedherknittingapparatusandabookortwofromthetable,tomakeroomforthetraywhichLeahnht,andthenherselfhaherefreshments.IfeltratherfusedatbeingtheobjeoreattentionthanIhadeverbeforereceived,and,thattoo,shownbymyemployerandsuperior;butasshedidnotherselfseemtosidershewasdoinganythingoutofherplace,Ithoughtitbettertotakehercivilitiesquietly.
“ShallIhavethepleasureofseeingMissFairfaxto-night?”Iasked,whenIhadpartakenofwhatsheofferedme.
“Whatdidyousay,mydear?Iamalittledeaf,”returhegoodlady,approaghereartomymouth.
Irepeatedthequestioinctly.
“MissFairfax?Oh,youmeanMissVarens!Varensisthenameofyourfuturepupil.”
“Ihensheisnotyhter?”
“No,—Ihavenofamily.”
Ishouldhavefollowedupmyfirstinquiry,byaskinginwhatwayMissVarenswasectedwithher;butIrecollecteditwasnotpolitetoasktoomaions:besides,Iwassuretohearintime.
“Iamsoglad,”shetinued,asshesatdownoppositetome,andtooktheherknee;“Iamsogladyouaree;itwillbequitepleasantlivingherenowanion.Tobesureitispleasantatanytime;forThornfieldisafineoldhall,ratheredoflateyearsperhaps,butstillitisarespectableplace;yetyouknowinwiimeonefeelsdrearyquitealohebestquarters.Isayalone—Leahisanicegirltobesure,andJohnandhiswifeareverydetpeople;butthenyouseetheyareonlyservants,andone’tversewiththemontermsofequality:okeepthematduedistance,forfearoflosingone’sauthority.I’msurelastwiwasaverysevereone,ifyourecolledwhenitdidnotsnow,itrainedandblew),notacreaturebutthebutcherandpostmahehouse,fromNovembertillFebruary;andIreallygotquitemelancholywithsittingnightafternightalone;IhadLeahiomesometimes;butIdon’tthinkthepirllikedthetaskmuch:shefeltitfining.Inspringandsummerooer:sunshineandlongdaysmakesuchadifferendthen,justattheeofthisautumn,littleAdelaVarenscameandhernurse:achildmakesahousealiveallatondnowyouarehereIshallbequitegay.”
MyheartreallywarmedtotheworthyladyasIheardhertalk;andIdrewmychairalittleoher,andexpressedmysincerewishthatshemightfindmypanyasagreeableassheanticipated.
“ButI’llnotkeepyousittinguplateto-night,”saidshe;“itisorokeoftwelvenow,andyouhavebeentravellingallday:youmustfeeltired.Ifyouhavegotyourfeetwellwarmed,I’llshowyouyourbedroom.I’vehadtheroomominepreparedforyou;itisonlyasmallapartment,butIthoughtyouwouldlikeitbetterthahelargefrontchambers:tobesuretheyhavefinerfurniture,buttheyaresodrearyandsolitary,Ineversleepinthemmyself.”
IthankedherforhersideratechoidasIreallyfeltfatiguedwithmylongjourney,expressedmyreadioretire.Shetookherdle,andIfollowedherfromtheroom.Firstshewenttoseeifthehall-doorwasfastened;havingtakenthekeyfromthelock,sheledthestairs.Thestepsandbanisterswereofoak;thestaircasewindowwashighandlatticed;bothitandthelonggalleryintowhichthebedroomdoorsopenedlookedasiftheybelooachurchratherthanahouse.Averychillandvault-likeairpervadedthestairsandgallery,suggestingcheerlessideasofspadsolitude;andIwasglad,whenfinallyusheredintomychamber,tofinditofsmalldimensions,andfurnishedinordinary,modernstyle.
WhenMrs.Fairfaxhadbiddenmeakindgood-night,andIhadfastenedmydazedleisurelyround,andinsomemeasureeffacedtheeerieimpressiohatwidehall,thatdarkandspaciousstaircase,andthatlong,coldgallery,bythelivelieraspeylittleroom,Irememberedthat,afteradayofbodilyfatigueaalay,Iwasnowatlastinsafehaven.Theimpulseofgratitudeswelledmyheart,andIkdownatthebedside,andofferedupthankswherethanksweredue;netting,ereIrose,toimploreaidonmyfurtherpath,andthepowerofmeritingthekindnesswhichseemedsofranklyofferedmebeforeitwasearned.Mycouchhadnothornsinitthatnight;mysolitaryroomnofears.Atoncewearyandtent,Isleptsoonandsoundly:whenIawokeitwasbroadday.
Thechamberlookedsuchabrightlittleplaeasthesunshoneiweenthegaybluetzwindowcurtains,showingpaperedwallsandacarpetedfloor,souhebareplanksandstainedplasterofLowood,thatmyspiritsroseattheview.Externalshaveagreateffetheyoung:Ithoughtthatafairereraoflifewasbeginningforme,owastohaveitsfloleasures,aswellasitsthornsandtoils.Myfaculties,rousedbythegeofse,thenewfieldofferedtohope,seemedallastir.Iotpreciselydefitheyexpected,butitwassomethingpleasant:notperhapsthatdayorthatmonth,butatanindefiureperiod.
Irose;Idressedmyselfwithcare:obligedtobeplain—forIhadnoarticleofattirethatwasnotmadewithextremesimplicity—Iwasstillbynaturesolicitoustobe.ItwasnotmyhabittobedisregardfulofappearanceorcarelessoftheimpressionImade:orary,IeverwishedtolookaswellasIcould,andtopleaseasmuchasmywantofbeautywouldpermit.IsometimesregrettedthatIwasnothandsomer;Isometimeswishedtohaverosycheeks,astraightnose,andsmallcherrymouth;Idesiredtobetall,stately,andfinelydevelopedinfigure;IfeltitamisfortuIwassolittle,sopale,andhadfeaturessularandsomarked.AndwhyhadItheseaspirationsandtheseregrets?Itwouldbedifficulttosay:Icouldnotthendistinctlysayittomyself;yetIhadareason,andalogiaturalreasontoo.However,whenIhadbrushedmyhairverysmooth,andputonmyblackfrock—which,Quakerlikeasitwas,atleasthadthemeritoffittingtoay—andadjustedmywhitetucker,IthoughtIshoulddorespectablyenoughtoappearbeforeMrs.Fairfax,andthatmynewpupilwouldnotatleastrecoilfrommeathy.Havingopenedmychamberwindow,ahatIleftallthingsstraightaooilettable,Iventuredforth.
Traversingthelongandmattedgallery,Idesdedtheslipperystepsofoak;thenIgaihehall:Ihaltedthereaminute;Ilookedatsomepicturesonthewalls(one,Iremember,representedagrimmaninacuirass,andonealadywithpowderedhairandapearlnecklace),atabronzelamppefromtheceiling,atagreatclockwhosecasewasofoakcuriouslycarved,andebonblackwithtimeandrubbing.Everythingappearedverystatelyandimposingtome;butthenIwassolittleacedtograhehall-door,whichwashalfofglass,stoodopen;Isteppedoverthethreshold.Itwasafiumnm;theearlysunshoneserenelyonembrownedgrovesandstillgreenfields;advangontothelawn,Ilookedupandsurveyedthefrontofthemansion.Itwasthreestoreyshigh,ofproportionsnotvast,thoughsiderable:agentleman’smanor-house,notanoblema:battlementsrouopgaveitapicturesquelook.Itsgreyfrontstoodoutwellfromthebackgroundofarookery,whosegtenantswerenowonthewing:theyflewoverthelawnandgroundstoalightimeadow,fromwhichthesewereseparatedbyasunkfendwhereanarrayofmightyoldthorrong,knotty,andbroadasoaks,atonceexplaiheetymologyofthemansion’sdesignation.Fartheroffwerehills:notsoloftyasthoseroundLowood,norsy,norsolikebarriersofseparationfromthelivingworld;butyetquietandlonelyhillsenough,andseemingtoembraceThornfieldwithaseclusionIhadnotexpectedtofientsohestirringlocalityofMillcote.Alittlehamlet,whoseroofswereblentwithtrees,straggledupthesideofohesehills;thechurchofthedistrictstoodhornfield:itsoldtower-toplookedoveraknollbetweenthehouseandgates.
Iwasyetenjoyingthecalmprospedpleasantfreshair,yetlisteningwithdelighttothegoftherooks,yetsurveyingthewide,hoaryfrontofthehall,andthinkingwhatagreatplaceitwasforonelonelylittledamelikeMrs.Fairfaxtoinhabit,whenthatladyappearedatthedoor.
“What!outalready?”saidshe.“Iseeyouareanearlyriser.”Iwentuptoher,andwasreceivedwithanaffablekissandshakeofthehand.
“HowdoyoulikeThornfield?”sheasked.ItoldherIlikeditverymuch.
“Yes,”shesaid,“itisaprettyplace;butIfearitwillbegettingoutoforder,unlessMr.Rochestershouldtakeitintohisheadtoeandresideherepermaly;or,atleast,visititratheroftener:greathousesandfinegroundsrequirethepreseheproprietor.”
“Mr.Rochester!”Iexclaimed.“Whoishe?”
“Theowhornfield,”sherespondedquietly.“DidyounotknowhewascalledRochester?”
OfcourseIdidnot—Ihadneverheardofhimbefore;buttheoldladyseemedtardhisexistenceasauniversallyuoodfact,withwhicheverybodymustbeacquaintedbyinstinct.
“Ithought,”Itihornfieldbelooyou.”
“Tome?Blessyou,child;whataome!Iamonlythehousekeeper—themaobesureIamdistantlyrelatedtotheRochestersbythemother’sside,oratleastmyhusbandwas;hewasaclergyman,incumbentofHay—thatlittlevillageyohehill—andthatchurearthegateswashis.ThepresentMr.Rochester’smotherwasaFairfax,andsedcousintomyhusband:butIneverpresumeonthee—infact,itisnothingtome;Isidermyselfquiteinthelightofanordinaryhousekeeper:myemployerisalwayscivil,andIexpeothingmore.”
“Alegirl—mypupil!”
“SheisMr.Rochester’sward;heissioofindagovernessforher.Heinteohaveherbroughtupin—shire,Ibelieve.Hereshees,withher‘bonne,’asshecallsherheenigmathenlaihisaffableandkindlittleasdame;butadependantlikemyself.Ididnotlikehertheworseforthat;orary,Ifeltbetterpleasedthaheequalitybetweenherandmewasreal;notthemereresultofdessiononherpart:somuchthebetter—mypositionwasallthefreer.
AsIwasmeditatingonthisdiscovery,alittlegirl,followedbyherattendant,camerunningupthelawn.Ilookedatmypupil,whodidnotatfirstappeartonoticeme:shewasquiteachild,perhapsseveyearsold,slightlybuilt,ale,small-featuredfadaredundancyofhairfallingincurlstoherwaist.
“Go,MissAdela,”saidMrs.Fairfax.“eaotheladywhoistoteachyou,andtomakeyouacleverwomansomeday.”Sheapproached.
“C’estlemagouverante!”saidshe,pointingtome,andaddressinghernurse;whoanswered—
“Maisoui,certai.”
“Aretheyfners?”Iinquired,amazedathearingtheFrenguage.
“Thenurseisafner,andAdelawasbornoi;and,Ibelieve,neverleftittillwithinsixmonthsago.WhenshefirstcamehereshecouldspeaknoEnglish;nowshemakeshifttotalkitalittle:Idon’tuandher,shemixesitsowithFrench;butyouwillmakeouthermeaningverywell,Idaresay.”
FortunatelyIhadhadtheadvantageofbeingtaughtFrenchbyaFrenchlady;andasIhadalwaysmadeapointofversingwithMadamePierrotasoftenasIcould,andhadbesides,durisevenyears,learntaportionofFrenchbyheartdaily—applyingmyselftotakepainswithmyat,andimitatingascloselyaspossiblethepronunciationofmyteacher,Ihadacquiredacertaindegreeofreadinessandcorreessinthelanguage,andwasnotlikelytobemuchatalosswithMademoiselleAdela.ShecameandshookhandwithmewhensheheardthatIwashergoverness;andasIledherintobreakfast,Iaddressedsomephrasestoherinherowntongue:sherepliedbrieflyatfirst,butafterwewereseatedatthetable,andshehadexaminedmesometenmihherlargehazeleyes,shesuddenlyencedchatteringfluently.
“Ah!”criedshe,inFrench,“youspeakmylanguageaswellasMr.Rochesterdoes:ItalktoyouasI,andsoSophie.Shewillbeglad:nobodyhereuandsher:MadameFairfaxisallEnglish.Sophieismynurse;shecamewithmeovertheseaishipwithaeythatsmoked—howitdidsmoke!—andIwassidsohie,andsowasMr.Rochester.Mr.Rochesterlaydownonasofaiyroomcalledthesalon,andSophieandIhadlittlebedsinanotherplaearlyfelloutofmiwaslikeashelf.AndMademoiselle—whatisyourname?”
“Eyre—JaneEyre.”
“Aire?Bah!Iotsayit.Well,ourshipstoppedinthem,beforeitwasquitedaylight,atagreatcity—ahugecity,withverydarkhousesandallsmoky;notatallliketheprettytownIcamefrom;andMr.Rochestercarriedmeinhisarmsoveraplanktotheland,andSophiecameafter,andweallgotintoacoach,whichtookustoabeautifullargehouse,largerthanthisandfiner,calledanhotel.Westayedtherenearlyaweek:IandSophieusedtowalkeverydayigreenplacefulloftrees,calledthePark;andthereweremanychildrentherebesidesme,andapondwithbeautifulbirdsinit,thatIfedwithcrumbs.”
“youuandherwhensherunsonsofast?”askedMrs.Fairfax.
Iuoodherverywell,forIhadbeenacedtothefluenttongueofMadamePierrot.
“Iwish,”tihegoodlady,“youwouldaskheraquestionortwoaboutherparents:Iwonderifsheremembersthem?”
“Adèle,”Iinquired,“withwhomdidyoulivewhenyouwereinthatprettytownyouspokeof?”
“Ilivedlongagowithmama;butsheisgoheHolyVirgin.Mamausedtoteachmetodandsing,andtosayverses.Agreatmalemenandladiescametoseemama,andIusedtodancebeforethem,ortositontheirkneesandsingtothem:Ilikedit.ShallIletyouhearmesingnow?”
Shehadfinishedherbreakfast,soIpermittedhertogiveaspeofheraplishments.Desdingfromherchair,shecameandplacedherselfonmykhen,folditlehandsdemurelybeforeher,shakingbackhercurlsandliftinghereyestotheceiling,sheencedsingingasongfromsomeopera.Itwasthestrainofaforsakenlady,who,afterbewailingtheperfidyofherlover,callspridetoheraid;desiresherattendanttodeckherinherbrightestjewelsandrichestrobes,andresolvestomeetthefalseonightataball,andprovetohim,bythegaietyofherdemeanour,howlittlehisdesertionhasaffectedher.
Thesubjectseemedstrangelychosenforaninfantsinger;butIsupposethepointoftheexhibitionlayinheariesofloveandjealousywarbledwiththelispofchildhood;andinverybadtastethatpointwas:atleastIthoughtso.
Adèlesangthezounefullyenough,andwiththeée.Thisachieved,shejumpedfrommykneeandsaid,“Now,Mademoiselle,Iwillrepeatyousomepoetry.”
Assuminganattitude,shebegan,“LaLiguedesRats:fabledeLaFontaine.”Shethendeclaimedthelittlepiecewithaiontopunctuationandemphasis,aflexibilityofvoidanappropriatenessofgesture,veryunusualiherage,andwhichprovedshehadbeencarefullytrained.
“Wasityourmamawhotaughtyouthatpiece?”Iasked.
“Yes,ausedtosayitinthisway:‘Qu’avezvousdonc?luiditus;parlez!’Shemademeliftmyhand—so—toremioraisemyvoiceatthequestion.NowshallIdanceforyou?”
“No,thatwilldo:butafteryourmamawenttotheHolyVirgin,asyousay,withwhomdidyoulivethen?”
“WithMadameFrédéridherhusband:shetooke,butsheisnothiedtome.Ithinksheispoor,forshehadnotsofineahouseasmama.Iwasnotlongthere.Mr.RochesteraskedmeifIwouldliketogoandlivewithhiminEngland,andIsaidyes;forIknewMr.RochesterbeforeIknewMadameFrédéridhewasalwayskindtomeandgavemeprettydressesandtoys:butyouseehehashisword,forhehasbroughtmetoEngland,andnowheisgonebackagainhimself,andIneverseehim.”
Afterbreakfast,AdèleandIwithdrewtothelibrary,whi,itappears,Mr.Rochesterhaddirectedshouldbeusedastheschoolroom.Mostofthebookswerelockedupbehindglassdoors;buttherewasonebookcaseleftopentainihingthatcouldbehewayofelementaryworks,andseveralvolumesoflightliterature,poetry,biography,travels,afewromances,&c.Isupposehehadsideredthatthesewereallthegovernesswouldrequireforherprivateperusal;and,iheytentedmeamplyforthepresent;paredwiththestypigsIhadnowandthenbeeogleanatLowood,theyseemedtoofferanabundantharvestofeaiandinformation.Inthisroom,too,therewasaetpiano,quitenewandofsuperiortone;alsoaneaselforpaintingandapairofglobes.
Ifoundmypupilsuffitlydocile,thoughdisinedtoapply:shehadnotbeeularoccupationofanykind.Ifeltitwouldbeinjudicioustofioomuchatfirst;so,whenIhadtalkedtreatdeal,andgothertolearnalittle,ahemhadadvaonoon,Iallowedhertoreturntoherhenproposedtooccupymyselftilldiimeindrawingsomelittlesketchesforheruse.
AsIwasgoingupstairstofetchmyportfolioandpencils,Mrs.Fairfaxcalledtome:“Yourmschool-hoursareovernow,Isuppose,”saidshe.Shewasinaroomthefolding-doorsofwhichstoodopeinwhensheaddressedme.Itwasalarge,statelyapartment,withpurplechairsandcurtains,aTurkeycarpet,walnut-panelledwalls,owindowrislantedglass,andaloftyceiling,noblymoulded.Mrs.Fairfaxwasdustingsomevasesoffinepurplespar,whichstoodonasideboard.
“Whatabeautifulroom!”Iexclaimed,asIlookedround;forIhadneverbeforeseenanyhalfsoimposing.
“Yes;thisisthedining-room.Ihavejustopehewindow,toletinalittleairandsunshine;foreverythissodampinapartmentsthatareseldominhabited;thedrawing-roomyonderfeelslikeavault.”
Shepoioawidearchcorrespondingtothewindow,andhunglikeitwithaTyrian-dyedcurtain,nowloopedup.Mountingtoitbytwobroadsteps,andlookingthrough,IthoughtIcaughtaglimpseofafairyplace,shttomynovice-eyesappearedtheviewbeyowasmerelyaveryprettydrawing-room,andwithinitaboudoir,bothspreadwithwhitecarpets,onwhichseemedlaidbrilliantgarlandsofflowers;bothceiledwithsnowymouldingsofwhitegrapesandvine-leaves,behwhichglowedinritrastcrimsoncouchesandottomans;whiletheorsonthepalePariainmantelpiecewereofsparklingBohemianglass,rubyred;aweenthewindowslargemirrorsrepeatedthegeneralblendingofsnowandfire.
“Inwhatorderyoukeeptheserooms,Mrs.Fairfax!”saidI.“Nodust,novascs:exceptthattheairfeelschilly,onewouldthinktheywereinhabiteddaily.”
“Why,MissEyre,thoughMr.Rochester’svisitsherearerare,theyarealwayssuddenandued;andasIobservedthatitputhimouttofihingswathedup,andtohaveabustleementonhisarrival,Ithoughtitbesttokeeptheroomsinreadiness.”
“IsMr.Rochesteraing,fastidioussortofman?”
“Notparticularlyso;buthehasagentleman’stastesandhabits,andheexpectstohavethingsmanagedinitytothem.”
“Doyoulikehim?Ishegenerallyliked?”
“Oh,yes;thefamilyhavealwaysbeenrespectedhere.Almostallthelandinthisneighbourhood,asfarasyousee,hasbeloheRochesterstimeoutofmind.”
“Well,but,leavinghislandoutofthequestion,doyoulikehim?Ishelikedforhimself?”
“Ihavenocausetodootherwisethanlikehim;andIbelieveheissideredajustandliberallandlordbyhistenants:buthehasneverlivedmuchamongstthem.”
“Buthashenopeculiarities?What,inshort,ishischaracter?”
“Oh!hischaracterisunimpeachable,Isuppose.Heisratherpeculiar,perhaps:hehastravelledagreatdeal,andseedealoftheworld,Ishouldthink.Idaresayheisclever,butIneverhadmuversationwithhim.”
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Reader,thoughIlookfortablyaodated,Iamranquilinmymind.Ithoughtwhenthecoachstoppedheretherewouldbesomeoomeetme;IlookedanxiouslyroundasIdesdedthewoodehe“boots”playvenience,expegtohearmynamepronounced,andtoseesomedescriptionewaitingtoveymetoThornfield.Nothingofthesortwasvisible;andwhenIaskedawaiterifanyonehadbeentoinquireafteraMissEyre,Iwasansweredintheive:soIhadnoresourcebuttorequesttobeshownintoaprivateroom:andhereIamwaiting,whileallsortsofdoubtsandfearsaretroublingmythoughts.
Itisaverystraiontoinexperiencedyouthtofeelitselfquitealoheworld,cutadriftfromeverye,uaihertheporttowhichitisboundbereached,aedbymanyimpedimentsfromreturningtothatithasquitted.Thecharmofadventuresweetensthatsensation,theglowofpridewarmsit;butthehroboffeardisturbsit;andfearwithmebecamepredominantwhenhalf-an-hourelapsedandstillIwasalone.Ibethoughtmyselftthebell.
“IsthereaplathisneighbourhoodcalledThornfield?”Iaskedofthewaiterwhoahesummons.
“Thornfield?Idon’tknow,ma’am;I’llinquireatthebar.”Hevanished,butreappearedinstantly—
“IsyournameEyre,Miss?”
“Yes.”
“Persoingforyou.”
Ijumpedup,tookmymuffandumbrella,andhasteotheinn-passage:amanwasstandingbytheopendoor,andinthelamp-litstreetIdimlysawaone-horseveyance.
“Thiswillbeyage,Isuppose?”saidthemanratherabruptlywhenhesawme,pointingtomytrunkinthepassage.
“Yes.”Hehoisteditontothevehicle,whichwasasortofcar,andthenIgotin;beforeheshutmeup,IaskedhimhowfaritwastoThornfield.
“Amatterofsixmiles.”
“Howlongshallwebebefetthere?”
“Happenanhourandahalf.”
Hefastehecardoor,climbedtohisowoutside,aoff.resswasleisurely,andgavemeampletimetoreflect;Iwastenttobeatlengthsoheendofmyjourney;andasIleanedbathefortablethoughnotelegantveyance,Imeditatedmuchatmyease.
“Isuppose,”thoughtI,“judgingfromtheplainnessoftheservantandcarriage,Mrs.Fairfaxisnotaverydashingperson:somuchthebetter;IneverlivedamongstfinepeoplebutondIwasverymiserablewiththem.Iwonderifshelivesaloneexceptthislittlegirl;ifso,andifsheisinanydegreeamiable,Ishallsurelybeabletogetonwithher;Iwilldomybest;itisapitythatdoingone’sbestdoesnotalwaysaLowood,iookthatresolutio,andsucceededinpleasing;butwithMrs.Reed,Iremembermybestwasalurhs.IprayGodMrs.Fairfaxmaynotturnoutasers.Reed;butifshedoes,Iamnotboundtostaywithher!lettheworstetotheworst,Iadvertiseagain.Howfarareweonourroadnow,Iwonder?”
Iletdownthewindowandlookedout;Millcotewasbehindus;judgingbythenumberofitslights,itseemedaplaceofsiderablemagnitude,muchlargerthanLowton.Wewerenow,asfarasIcouldsee,onasortofon;buttherewerehousesscatteredalloverthedistrict;IfeltwewereinadifferentregiontoLowood,morepopulous,lesspicturesque;morestirring,lessromantic.
Theroadswereheavy,thenightmisty;myductorlethishorsewalkalltheway,andthehourandahalfextended,Iverifybelieve,totwohours;atlastheturnedinhisseatandsaid—
“You’renoansofarfro’Thornfieldnow.”
AgainIlookedout:wewerepassingachurch;Isawitslowbroadtainstthesky,anditsbellwastollingaquarter;Isawanarrowgalaxyoflightstoo,onahillside,markingavillageorhamlet.Abouttenmier,thedrivergotdoenedapairofgates:wepassedthrough,andtheyclashedtobehindus.lyasdedadrive,andcameuponthelongfrontofahouse:dlelightgleamedfromoainedbow-window;alltherestweredark.Thecarstoppedatthefrontdoor;itenedbyamaid-servant;Ialightedain.
“Willyouwalkthisway,ma’am?”saidthegirl;andIfollowedheracrossasquarehallwithhighdoorsallround:sheusheredmeintoaroomwhosedoubleilluminationoffireanddleatfirstdazzledme,trastingasitdidwiththedarkowhichmyeyeshadbeenfortwohoursinured;whenIcouldsee,however,acosyandagreeablepicturepreseselftomyview.
Asnugsmallroom;aroundtablebyacheerfulfire;anarm-chairhigh-backedandold-fashioned,whereinsattheimagileelderlylady,inwido,blacksilkgown,andsnowymuslinaprolylikewhatIhadfanciedMrs.Fairfax,oatelyandmilderlooking.Shewasoccupiedinknitting;alargecatsatdemurelyatherfeet;nothinginshortwaswantingtopletethebeau-idealofdomestifort.Amorereassuringintroduforanewgovernesscouldscarcelybeceived;therewasnograooverwhelm,nostatelioembarrass;andthen,asIeheoldladygotupandpromptlyandkindlycameforwardtomeetme.
“Howdoyoudo,mydear?Iamafraidyouhavehadatediousride;Johndrivessoslowly;youmustbecold,etothefire.”
“Mrs.Fairfax,Isuppose?”saidI.
“Yes,yht:dositdown.”
Sheductedmetoherownchair,andtheoremovemyshawlanduntiemyborings;Ibeggedshewouldnotgiveherselfsomuchtrouble.
“Oh,itisnotrouble;Idaresayyourownhandsarealmosthcold.Leah,makealittlehotnegusandcutasandwichortwo:herearethekeysofthestoreroom.”
Andsheproducedfromherpocketamosthousewifelybunchofkeys,anddeliveredthemtotheservant.
“Now,then,drawhefire,”shetinued.“You’vebroughtyagewithyou,haven’tyou,mydear?”
“Yes,ma’am.”
“I’llseeitcarriedintoyourroom,”shesaid,andbustledout.
“Shetreatsmelikeavisitor,”thoughtI.“Ilittleexpectedsuchareception;IanticipatedonlyessandstiffhisisnotlikewhatIhaveheardofthetreatmentofgovernesses;butImusttoosoon.”
Shereturned;withherownhandsclearedherknittingapparatusandabookortwofromthetable,tomakeroomforthetraywhichLeahnht,andthenherselfhaherefreshments.IfeltratherfusedatbeingtheobjeoreattentionthanIhadeverbeforereceived,and,thattoo,shownbymyemployerandsuperior;butasshedidnotherselfseemtosidershewasdoinganythingoutofherplace,Ithoughtitbettertotakehercivilitiesquietly.
“ShallIhavethepleasureofseeingMissFairfaxto-night?”Iasked,whenIhadpartakenofwhatsheofferedme.
“Whatdidyousay,mydear?Iamalittledeaf,”returhegoodlady,approaghereartomymouth.
Irepeatedthequestioinctly.
“MissFairfax?Oh,youmeanMissVarens!Varensisthenameofyourfuturepupil.”
“Ihensheisnotyhter?”
“No,—Ihavenofamily.”
Ishouldhavefollowedupmyfirstinquiry,byaskinginwhatwayMissVarenswasectedwithher;butIrecollecteditwasnotpolitetoasktoomaions:besides,Iwassuretohearintime.
“Iamsoglad,”shetinued,asshesatdownoppositetome,andtooktheherknee;“Iamsogladyouaree;itwillbequitepleasantlivingherenowanion.Tobesureitispleasantatanytime;forThornfieldisafineoldhall,ratheredoflateyearsperhaps,butstillitisarespectableplace;yetyouknowinwiimeonefeelsdrearyquitealohebestquarters.Isayalone—Leahisanicegirltobesure,andJohnandhiswifeareverydetpeople;butthenyouseetheyareonlyservants,andone’tversewiththemontermsofequality:okeepthematduedistance,forfearoflosingone’sauthority.I’msurelastwiwasaverysevereone,ifyourecolledwhenitdidnotsnow,itrainedandblew),notacreaturebutthebutcherandpostmahehouse,fromNovembertillFebruary;andIreallygotquitemelancholywithsittingnightafternightalone;IhadLeahiomesometimes;butIdon’tthinkthepirllikedthetaskmuch:shefeltitfining.Inspringandsummerooer:sunshineandlongdaysmakesuchadifferendthen,justattheeofthisautumn,littleAdelaVarenscameandhernurse:achildmakesahousealiveallatondnowyouarehereIshallbequitegay.”
MyheartreallywarmedtotheworthyladyasIheardhertalk;andIdrewmychairalittleoher,andexpressedmysincerewishthatshemightfindmypanyasagreeableassheanticipated.
“ButI’llnotkeepyousittinguplateto-night,”saidshe;“itisorokeoftwelvenow,andyouhavebeentravellingallday:youmustfeeltired.Ifyouhavegotyourfeetwellwarmed,I’llshowyouyourbedroom.I’vehadtheroomominepreparedforyou;itisonlyasmallapartment,butIthoughtyouwouldlikeitbetterthahelargefrontchambers:tobesuretheyhavefinerfurniture,buttheyaresodrearyandsolitary,Ineversleepinthemmyself.”
IthankedherforhersideratechoidasIreallyfeltfatiguedwithmylongjourney,expressedmyreadioretire.Shetookherdle,andIfollowedherfromtheroom.Firstshewenttoseeifthehall-doorwasfastened;havingtakenthekeyfromthelock,sheledthestairs.Thestepsandbanisterswereofoak;thestaircasewindowwashighandlatticed;bothitandthelonggalleryintowhichthebedroomdoorsopenedlookedasiftheybelooachurchratherthanahouse.Averychillandvault-likeairpervadedthestairsandgallery,suggestingcheerlessideasofspadsolitude;andIwasglad,whenfinallyusheredintomychamber,tofinditofsmalldimensions,andfurnishedinordinary,modernstyle.
WhenMrs.Fairfaxhadbiddenmeakindgood-night,andIhadfastenedmydazedleisurelyround,andinsomemeasureeffacedtheeerieimpressiohatwidehall,thatdarkandspaciousstaircase,andthatlong,coldgallery,bythelivelieraspeylittleroom,Irememberedthat,afteradayofbodilyfatigueaalay,Iwasnowatlastinsafehaven.Theimpulseofgratitudeswelledmyheart,andIkdownatthebedside,andofferedupthankswherethanksweredue;netting,ereIrose,toimploreaidonmyfurtherpath,andthepowerofmeritingthekindnesswhichseemedsofranklyofferedmebeforeitwasearned.Mycouchhadnothornsinitthatnight;mysolitaryroomnofears.Atoncewearyandtent,Isleptsoonandsoundly:whenIawokeitwasbroadday.
Thechamberlookedsuchabrightlittleplaeasthesunshoneiweenthegaybluetzwindowcurtains,showingpaperedwallsandacarpetedfloor,souhebareplanksandstainedplasterofLowood,thatmyspiritsroseattheview.Externalshaveagreateffetheyoung:Ithoughtthatafairereraoflifewasbeginningforme,owastohaveitsfloleasures,aswellasitsthornsandtoils.Myfaculties,rousedbythegeofse,thenewfieldofferedtohope,seemedallastir.Iotpreciselydefitheyexpected,butitwassomethingpleasant:notperhapsthatdayorthatmonth,butatanindefiureperiod.
Irose;Idressedmyselfwithcare:obligedtobeplain—forIhadnoarticleofattirethatwasnotmadewithextremesimplicity—Iwasstillbynaturesolicitoustobe.ItwasnotmyhabittobedisregardfulofappearanceorcarelessoftheimpressionImade:orary,IeverwishedtolookaswellasIcould,andtopleaseasmuchasmywantofbeautywouldpermit.IsometimesregrettedthatIwasnothandsomer;Isometimeswishedtohaverosycheeks,astraightnose,andsmallcherrymouth;Idesiredtobetall,stately,andfinelydevelopedinfigure;IfeltitamisfortuIwassolittle,sopale,andhadfeaturessularandsomarked.AndwhyhadItheseaspirationsandtheseregrets?Itwouldbedifficulttosay:Icouldnotthendistinctlysayittomyself;yetIhadareason,andalogiaturalreasontoo.However,whenIhadbrushedmyhairverysmooth,andputonmyblackfrock—which,Quakerlikeasitwas,atleasthadthemeritoffittingtoay—andadjustedmywhitetucker,IthoughtIshoulddorespectablyenoughtoappearbeforeMrs.Fairfax,andthatmynewpupilwouldnotatleastrecoilfrommeathy.Havingopenedmychamberwindow,ahatIleftallthingsstraightaooilettable,Iventuredforth.
Traversingthelongandmattedgallery,Idesdedtheslipperystepsofoak;thenIgaihehall:Ihaltedthereaminute;Ilookedatsomepicturesonthewalls(one,Iremember,representedagrimmaninacuirass,andonealadywithpowderedhairandapearlnecklace),atabronzelamppefromtheceiling,atagreatclockwhosecasewasofoakcuriouslycarved,andebonblackwithtimeandrubbing.Everythingappearedverystatelyandimposingtome;butthenIwassolittleacedtograhehall-door,whichwashalfofglass,stoodopen;Isteppedoverthethreshold.Itwasafiumnm;theearlysunshoneserenelyonembrownedgrovesandstillgreenfields;advangontothelawn,Ilookedupandsurveyedthefrontofthemansion.Itwasthreestoreyshigh,ofproportionsnotvast,thoughsiderable:agentleman’smanor-house,notanoblema:battlementsrouopgaveitapicturesquelook.Itsgreyfrontstoodoutwellfromthebackgroundofarookery,whosegtenantswerenowonthewing:theyflewoverthelawnandgroundstoalightimeadow,fromwhichthesewereseparatedbyasunkfendwhereanarrayofmightyoldthorrong,knotty,andbroadasoaks,atonceexplaiheetymologyofthemansion’sdesignation.Fartheroffwerehills:notsoloftyasthoseroundLowood,norsy,norsolikebarriersofseparationfromthelivingworld;butyetquietandlonelyhillsenough,andseemingtoembraceThornfieldwithaseclusionIhadnotexpectedtofientsohestirringlocalityofMillcote.Alittlehamlet,whoseroofswereblentwithtrees,straggledupthesideofohesehills;thechurchofthedistrictstoodhornfield:itsoldtower-toplookedoveraknollbetweenthehouseandgates.
Iwasyetenjoyingthecalmprospedpleasantfreshair,yetlisteningwithdelighttothegoftherooks,yetsurveyingthewide,hoaryfrontofthehall,andthinkingwhatagreatplaceitwasforonelonelylittledamelikeMrs.Fairfaxtoinhabit,whenthatladyappearedatthedoor.
“What!outalready?”saidshe.“Iseeyouareanearlyriser.”Iwentuptoher,andwasreceivedwithanaffablekissandshakeofthehand.
“HowdoyoulikeThornfield?”sheasked.ItoldherIlikeditverymuch.
“Yes,”shesaid,“itisaprettyplace;butIfearitwillbegettingoutoforder,unlessMr.Rochestershouldtakeitintohisheadtoeandresideherepermaly;or,atleast,visititratheroftener:greathousesandfinegroundsrequirethepreseheproprietor.”
“Mr.Rochester!”Iexclaimed.“Whoishe?”
“Theowhornfield,”sherespondedquietly.“DidyounotknowhewascalledRochester?”
OfcourseIdidnot—Ihadneverheardofhimbefore;buttheoldladyseemedtardhisexistenceasauniversallyuoodfact,withwhicheverybodymustbeacquaintedbyinstinct.
“Ithought,”Itihornfieldbelooyou.”
“Tome?Blessyou,child;whataome!Iamonlythehousekeeper—themaobesureIamdistantlyrelatedtotheRochestersbythemother’sside,oratleastmyhusbandwas;hewasaclergyman,incumbentofHay—thatlittlevillageyohehill—andthatchurearthegateswashis.ThepresentMr.Rochester’smotherwasaFairfax,andsedcousintomyhusband:butIneverpresumeonthee—infact,itisnothingtome;Isidermyselfquiteinthelightofanordinaryhousekeeper:myemployerisalwayscivil,andIexpeothingmore.”
“Alegirl—mypupil!”
“SheisMr.Rochester’sward;heissioofindagovernessforher.Heinteohaveherbroughtupin—shire,Ibelieve.Hereshees,withher‘bonne,’asshecallsherheenigmathenlaihisaffableandkindlittleasdame;butadependantlikemyself.Ididnotlikehertheworseforthat;orary,Ifeltbetterpleasedthaheequalitybetweenherandmewasreal;notthemereresultofdessiononherpart:somuchthebetter—mypositionwasallthefreer.
AsIwasmeditatingonthisdiscovery,alittlegirl,followedbyherattendant,camerunningupthelawn.Ilookedatmypupil,whodidnotatfirstappeartonoticeme:shewasquiteachild,perhapsseveyearsold,slightlybuilt,ale,small-featuredfadaredundancyofhairfallingincurlstoherwaist.
“Go,MissAdela,”saidMrs.Fairfax.“eaotheladywhoistoteachyou,andtomakeyouacleverwomansomeday.”Sheapproached.
“C’estlemagouverante!”saidshe,pointingtome,andaddressinghernurse;whoanswered—
“Maisoui,certai.”
“Aretheyfners?”Iinquired,amazedathearingtheFrenguage.
“Thenurseisafner,andAdelawasbornoi;and,Ibelieve,neverleftittillwithinsixmonthsago.WhenshefirstcamehereshecouldspeaknoEnglish;nowshemakeshifttotalkitalittle:Idon’tuandher,shemixesitsowithFrench;butyouwillmakeouthermeaningverywell,Idaresay.”
FortunatelyIhadhadtheadvantageofbeingtaughtFrenchbyaFrenchlady;andasIhadalwaysmadeapointofversingwithMadamePierrotasoftenasIcould,andhadbesides,durisevenyears,learntaportionofFrenchbyheartdaily—applyingmyselftotakepainswithmyat,andimitatingascloselyaspossiblethepronunciationofmyteacher,Ihadacquiredacertaindegreeofreadinessandcorreessinthelanguage,andwasnotlikelytobemuchatalosswithMademoiselleAdela.ShecameandshookhandwithmewhensheheardthatIwashergoverness;andasIledherintobreakfast,Iaddressedsomephrasestoherinherowntongue:sherepliedbrieflyatfirst,butafterwewereseatedatthetable,andshehadexaminedmesometenmihherlargehazeleyes,shesuddenlyencedchatteringfluently.
“Ah!”criedshe,inFrench,“youspeakmylanguageaswellasMr.Rochesterdoes:ItalktoyouasI,andsoSophie.Shewillbeglad:nobodyhereuandsher:MadameFairfaxisallEnglish.Sophieismynurse;shecamewithmeovertheseaishipwithaeythatsmoked—howitdidsmoke!—andIwassidsohie,andsowasMr.Rochester.Mr.Rochesterlaydownonasofaiyroomcalledthesalon,andSophieandIhadlittlebedsinanotherplaearlyfelloutofmiwaslikeashelf.AndMademoiselle—whatisyourname?”
“Eyre—JaneEyre.”
“Aire?Bah!Iotsayit.Well,ourshipstoppedinthem,beforeitwasquitedaylight,atagreatcity—ahugecity,withverydarkhousesandallsmoky;notatallliketheprettytownIcamefrom;andMr.Rochestercarriedmeinhisarmsoveraplanktotheland,andSophiecameafter,andweallgotintoacoach,whichtookustoabeautifullargehouse,largerthanthisandfiner,calledanhotel.Westayedtherenearlyaweek:IandSophieusedtowalkeverydayigreenplacefulloftrees,calledthePark;andthereweremanychildrentherebesidesme,andapondwithbeautifulbirdsinit,thatIfedwithcrumbs.”
“youuandherwhensherunsonsofast?”askedMrs.Fairfax.
Iuoodherverywell,forIhadbeenacedtothefluenttongueofMadamePierrot.
“Iwish,”tihegoodlady,“youwouldaskheraquestionortwoaboutherparents:Iwonderifsheremembersthem?”
“Adèle,”Iinquired,“withwhomdidyoulivewhenyouwereinthatprettytownyouspokeof?”
“Ilivedlongagowithmama;butsheisgoheHolyVirgin.Mamausedtoteachmetodandsing,andtosayverses.Agreatmalemenandladiescametoseemama,andIusedtodancebeforethem,ortositontheirkneesandsingtothem:Ilikedit.ShallIletyouhearmesingnow?”
Shehadfinishedherbreakfast,soIpermittedhertogiveaspeofheraplishments.Desdingfromherchair,shecameandplacedherselfonmykhen,folditlehandsdemurelybeforeher,shakingbackhercurlsandliftinghereyestotheceiling,sheencedsingingasongfromsomeopera.Itwasthestrainofaforsakenlady,who,afterbewailingtheperfidyofherlover,callspridetoheraid;desiresherattendanttodeckherinherbrightestjewelsandrichestrobes,andresolvestomeetthefalseonightataball,andprovetohim,bythegaietyofherdemeanour,howlittlehisdesertionhasaffectedher.
Thesubjectseemedstrangelychosenforaninfantsinger;butIsupposethepointoftheexhibitionlayinheariesofloveandjealousywarbledwiththelispofchildhood;andinverybadtastethatpointwas:atleastIthoughtso.
Adèlesangthezounefullyenough,andwiththeée.Thisachieved,shejumpedfrommykneeandsaid,“Now,Mademoiselle,Iwillrepeatyousomepoetry.”
Assuminganattitude,shebegan,“LaLiguedesRats:fabledeLaFontaine.”Shethendeclaimedthelittlepiecewithaiontopunctuationandemphasis,aflexibilityofvoidanappropriatenessofgesture,veryunusualiherage,andwhichprovedshehadbeencarefullytrained.
“Wasityourmamawhotaughtyouthatpiece?”Iasked.
“Yes,ausedtosayitinthisway:‘Qu’avezvousdonc?luiditus;parlez!’Shemademeliftmyhand—so—toremioraisemyvoiceatthequestion.NowshallIdanceforyou?”
“No,thatwilldo:butafteryourmamawenttotheHolyVirgin,asyousay,withwhomdidyoulivethen?”
“WithMadameFrédéridherhusband:shetooke,butsheisnothiedtome.Ithinksheispoor,forshehadnotsofineahouseasmama.Iwasnotlongthere.Mr.RochesteraskedmeifIwouldliketogoandlivewithhiminEngland,andIsaidyes;forIknewMr.RochesterbeforeIknewMadameFrédéridhewasalwayskindtomeandgavemeprettydressesandtoys:butyouseehehashisword,forhehasbroughtmetoEngland,andnowheisgonebackagainhimself,andIneverseehim.”
Afterbreakfast,AdèleandIwithdrewtothelibrary,whi,itappears,Mr.Rochesterhaddirectedshouldbeusedastheschoolroom.Mostofthebookswerelockedupbehindglassdoors;buttherewasonebookcaseleftopentainihingthatcouldbehewayofelementaryworks,andseveralvolumesoflightliterature,poetry,biography,travels,afewromances,&c.Isupposehehadsideredthatthesewereallthegovernesswouldrequireforherprivateperusal;and,iheytentedmeamplyforthepresent;paredwiththestypigsIhadnowandthenbeeogleanatLowood,theyseemedtoofferanabundantharvestofeaiandinformation.Inthisroom,too,therewasaetpiano,quitenewandofsuperiortone;alsoaneaselforpaintingandapairofglobes.
Ifoundmypupilsuffitlydocile,thoughdisinedtoapply:shehadnotbeeularoccupationofanykind.Ifeltitwouldbeinjudicioustofioomuchatfirst;so,whenIhadtalkedtreatdeal,andgothertolearnalittle,ahemhadadvaonoon,Iallowedhertoreturntoherhenproposedtooccupymyselftilldiimeindrawingsomelittlesketchesforheruse.
AsIwasgoingupstairstofetchmyportfolioandpencils,Mrs.Fairfaxcalledtome:“Yourmschool-hoursareovernow,Isuppose,”saidshe.Shewasinaroomthefolding-doorsofwhichstoodopeinwhensheaddressedme.Itwasalarge,statelyapartment,withpurplechairsandcurtains,aTurkeycarpet,walnut-panelledwalls,owindowrislantedglass,andaloftyceiling,noblymoulded.Mrs.Fairfaxwasdustingsomevasesoffinepurplespar,whichstoodonasideboard.
“Whatabeautifulroom!”Iexclaimed,asIlookedround;forIhadneverbeforeseenanyhalfsoimposing.
“Yes;thisisthedining-room.Ihavejustopehewindow,toletinalittleairandsunshine;foreverythissodampinapartmentsthatareseldominhabited;thedrawing-roomyonderfeelslikeavault.”
Shepoioawidearchcorrespondingtothewindow,andhunglikeitwithaTyrian-dyedcurtain,nowloopedup.Mountingtoitbytwobroadsteps,andlookingthrough,IthoughtIcaughtaglimpseofafairyplace,shttomynovice-eyesappearedtheviewbeyowasmerelyaveryprettydrawing-room,andwithinitaboudoir,bothspreadwithwhitecarpets,onwhichseemedlaidbrilliantgarlandsofflowers;bothceiledwithsnowymouldingsofwhitegrapesandvine-leaves,behwhichglowedinritrastcrimsoncouchesandottomans;whiletheorsonthepalePariainmantelpiecewereofsparklingBohemianglass,rubyred;aweenthewindowslargemirrorsrepeatedthegeneralblendingofsnowandfire.
“Inwhatorderyoukeeptheserooms,Mrs.Fairfax!”saidI.“Nodust,novascs:exceptthattheairfeelschilly,onewouldthinktheywereinhabiteddaily.”
“Why,MissEyre,thoughMr.Rochester’svisitsherearerare,theyarealwayssuddenandued;andasIobservedthatitputhimouttofihingswathedup,andtohaveabustleementonhisarrival,Ithoughtitbesttokeeptheroomsinreadiness.”
“IsMr.Rochesteraing,fastidioussortofman?”
“Notparticularlyso;buthehasagentleman’stastesandhabits,andheexpectstohavethingsmanagedinitytothem.”
“Doyoulikehim?Ishegenerallyliked?”
“Oh,yes;thefamilyhavealwaysbeenrespectedhere.Almostallthelandinthisneighbourhood,asfarasyousee,hasbeloheRochesterstimeoutofmind.”
“Well,but,leavinghislandoutofthequestion,doyoulikehim?Ishelikedforhimself?”
“Ihavenocausetodootherwisethanlikehim;andIbelieveheissideredajustandliberallandlordbyhistenants:buthehasneverlivedmuchamongstthem.”
“Buthashenopeculiarities?What,inshort,ishischaracter?”
“Oh!hischaracterisunimpeachable,Isuppose.Heisratherpeculiar,perhaps:hehastravelledagreatdeal,andseedealoftheworld,Ishouldthink.Idaresayheisclever,butIneverhadmuversationwithhim.”
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