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Mr Rochester must have been aware of the entrance of Mrs Fairfax

and myself; but it appeared he was not in the mood to notice us, for

he never lifted his head as we approached

"Here is Miss Eyre, sir," said Mrs Fairfax, in her quiet way He

bowed, still not taking his eyes fro and

child

"Let Miss Eyre be seated," said he: and there was so in the

forced stiff bow, in the impatient yet formal tone, which seemed

further to express, "What the deuce is it to me whether Miss Eyre be

there or not? At this moment I am not disposed to accost her"

I sat down quite disembarrassed A reception of finished politeness

would probably have confused race and elegance on ation; on the contrary, a decent

quiescence, under the freak of e

Besides, the eccentricity of the proceeding was piquant: I felt

interested to see hoould go on