Jane Eyre - Pennsylvania State University

fill her shoes—not for all the money she gets.”
Charlotte Brontë
gown, her gloves, and her gold watch; for it was her part to
“That it is not!” was the reply. “I wonder whether the mas- receive the company,—to conduct the ladies to their rooms,
ter—”
&c. Adele, too, would be dressed: though I thought she had
The charwoman was going on; but here Leah turned and little chance of being introduced to the party that day at least.
perceived me, and she instantly gave her companion a nudge. However, to please her, I allowed Sophie to apparel her in one
“Doesn’t she know?” I heard the woman whisper. of her short, full muslin frocks. For myself, I had no need to
Leah shook her head, and the conversation was of course make any change; I should not be called upon to quit my
dropped. All I had gathered from it amounted to this,—that sanctum of the schoolroom; for a sanctum it was now be-
there was a mystery at Thornfield; and that from participacome to me,— “a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble.”
tion in that mystery I was purposely excluded.
It had been a mild, serene spring day—one of those days
Thursday came: all work had been completed the previous which, towards the end of March or the beginning of April,
evening; carpets were laid down, bed-hangings festooned, ra- rise shining over the earth as heralds of summer. It was drawdiant
white counterpanes spread, toilet tables arranged, furniing to an end now; but the evening was even warm, and I sat
ture rubbed, flowers piled in vases: both chambers and sa- at work in the schoolroom with the window open.
loons looked as fresh and bright as hands could make them. “It gets late,” said Mrs. Fairfax, entering in rustling state. “I
The hall, too, was scoured; and the great carved clock, as well am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr. Roches-
as the steps and banisters of the staircase, were polished to the ter mentioned; for it is past six now. I have sent John down to
brightness of glass; in the dining-room, the sideboard flashed the gates to see if there is anything on the road: one can see a
resplendent with plate; in the drawing-room and boudoir, long way from thence in the direction of Millcote.” She went
vases of exotics bloomed on all sides.
to the window. “Here he is!” said she. “Well, John” (leaning
Afternoon arrived: Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin out), “any news?”
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