Page 141 (1/2)

"On the contrary," said I, "I boltedyour door every night

before you get into bed?"

"Fiend! she wants to know nation again prevailed over prudence: I replied

sharply, "Hitherto I have often omitted to fasten the bolt: I did

not think it necessary I was not aware any danger or annoyance was

to be dreaded at Thornfield Hall: but in future" (and I laid marked

stress on the words) "I shall take good care to make all secure

before I venture to lie down"

"It will be wise so to do," was her answer: "this neighbourhood is

as quiet as any I know, and I never heard of the hall being

atteh there are hundreds

of pounds' worth of plate in the plate-closet, as is well known

And you see, for such a large house, there are very few servants,

because master has never lived herea bachelor, he needs little waiting on: but I always think it

best to err on the safe side; a door is soon fastened, and it is as

well to have a drawn bolt between one and any mischief thatall to Providence;

but I say Providence will not dispense with the h He

often blesses them when they are used discreetly" And here she

closed her harangue: a long one for her, and uttered with the

demureness of a Quakeress

I still stood absolutely dumfoundered at what appeared to me her