Jane Eyre

Charlotte Brontë
wards him as if she were conversing confidentially; I wish I empty, before the ladies leave the dinner-table; choose your
could see her face; I have never had a glimpse of it yet.” seat in any quiet nook you like; you need not stay long after
“You will see her this evening,” answered Mrs. Fairfax. “I the gentlemen come in, unless you please: just let Mr. Rochester
see you are there and then slip away—nobody will no-
happened to remark to Mr. Rochester how much Adele wished
to be introduced to the ladies, and he said: ‘Oh! let her come tice you.”
into the drawing-room after dinner; and request Miss Eyre to “Will these people remain long, do you think?”
accompany her.’”
“Perhaps two or three weeks, certainly not more. After the
“Yes; he said that from mere politeness: I need not go, I am Easter recess, Sir George Lynn, who was lately elected member
for Millcote, will have to go up to town and take his seat;
sure,” I answered.
“Well, I observed to him that as you were unused to company,
I did not think you would like appearing before so gay that he has already made so protracted a stay at Thornfield.”
I daresay Mr. Rochester will accompany him: it surprises me
a party—all strangers; and he replied, in his quick way—’Nonsense!
If she objects, tell her it is my particular wish; and if she proach when I was to repair with my charge to the drawing-
It was with some trepidation that I perceived the hour ap-
resists, say I shall come and fetch her in case of contumacy.’” room. Adele had been in a state of ecstasy all day, after hearing
she was to be presented to the ladies in the evening; and it
“I will not give him that trouble,” I answered. “I will go, if
no better may be; but I don’t like it. Shall you be there, Mrs. was not till Sophie commenced the operation of dressing her
Fairfax?”
that she sobered down. Then the importance of the process
“No; I pleaded off, and he admitted my plea. I’ll tell you quickly steadied her, and by the time she had her curls arranged
in well-smoothed, drooping clusters, her pink satin
how to manage so as to avoid the embarrassment of making
a formal entrance, which is the most disagreeable part of the frock put on, her long sash tied, and her lace mittens adjusted,
business. You must go into the drawing-room while it is she looked as grave as any judge. No need to warn her not to
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