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saved enough to keep her independent if she liked to leave; but I
suppose she's got used to the place; and then she's not forty yet, and
strong and able for anything. It is too soon for her to give up
business.'
'She is a good hand, I daresay,' said the charwoman.
'Ah!- she understands what she has to do,- nobody better,' rejoined
Leah significantly; 'and it is not every one could fill her shoes- not
for all the money she gets.'
'That it is not!' was the reply. 'I wonder whether the master-'
The charwoman was going on; but here Leah turned and perceived
me, and she instantly gave her companion a nudge.
'Doesn't she know?' I heard the woman whisper.
Leah shook her head, and the conversation was of course dropped.
All I had gathered from it amounted to this,- that there was a mystery
at Thornfield; and that from participation in that mystery I was
purposely excluded.
Thursday came: all work had been completed the previous evening;
carpets were laid down, bed-hangings festooned, radiant white
counterpanes spread, toilet tables arranged, furniture rubbed, flowers
piled in vases: both chambers and saloons looked as fresh and bright
as hands could make them. The hall, too, was scoured; and the great
carved clock, as well as the steps and banisters of the staircase,
were polished to the brightness of glass; in the dining-room, the
sideboard flashed resplendent with plate; in the drawing-room and
boudoir, vases of exotics bloomed on all sides.
Afternoon arrived: Mrs. Fairfax assumed her best black satin
gown, her gloves, and her gold watch; for it was her part to receive
the company,- to conduct the ladies to their rooms, etc. Adele, too,
would be dressed: though I thought she had little chance of being
introduced to the party that day at least. However, to please her, I
allowed Sophie to apparel her in one of her short, full muslin frocks.
For myself, I had no need to make any change; I should not be called
upon to quit my sanctum of the schoolroom; for a sanctum it was now
become to me,- 'a very pleasant refuge in time of trouble.'
It had been a mild, serene spring day- one of those days which,
towards the end of March or the beginning of April, rise shining
over the earth as heralds of summer. It was drawing to an end now; but
the evening was even warm, and I sat at work in the schoolroom with
the window open.
'It gets late,' said Mrs. Fairfax, entering in rustling state. 'I
am glad I ordered dinner an hour after the time Mr. Rochester
mentioned; for it is past six now. I have sent John down to the
gates to see if there is anything on the road: one can see a long
way from thence in the direction of Millcote.' She went to the window.
'Here he is!' said she. 'Well, John' (leaning out), 'any news?'
'They're coming, ma'am,' was the answer. 'They'll be here in ten
minutes.'
Adele flew to the window. I followed, taking care to stand on one