Quotation from: Jane Eyre

Written by: Charlotte Bronte


When dusk actually closed, and when Adele left me to go and play in
the nursery with Sophie, I did most keenly desire it. I listened
for the bell to ring below; I listened for Leah coming up with
a message; I fancied sometimes I heard Mr. Rochester's own tread,
and I turned to the door, expecting it to open and admit him.
The door remained shut; darkness only came in through the window.
Still it was not late; he often sent for me at seven and eight
o'clock, and it was yet but six. Surely I should not be wholly
disappointed to- night, when I had so many things to say to him! I
wanted again to introduce the subject of Grace Poole, and to hear
what he would answer; I wanted to ask him plainly if he really
believed it was she who had made last night's hideous attempt; and
if so, why he kept her wickedness a secret. It little mattered
whether my curiosity irritated him; I knew the pleasure of vexing
and soothing him by turns; it was one I chiefly delighted in, and
a sure instinct always prevented me from going too far; beyond
the verge of provocation I never ventured; on the extreme brink I
liked well to try my skill. Retaining every minute form of respect,
every propriety of my station, I could still meet him in argument
without fear or uneasy restraint; this suited both him and me.

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