Page 143 (1/2)

When dusk actually closed, and when Adele left o and play in

the nursery with Sophie, I didbelow; I listened for Leah coe; I fancied sometimes I heard Mr Rochester's own tread, and

I turned to the door, expecting it to open and admit hih theStill it

was not late; he often sent for ht o'clock, and

it was yet but six Surely I should not be wholly disappointed to-

night, when I had so ain 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 ht's hideous attempt; and if so, why he kept

her wickedness a secret It little mattered whetherand soothing hihted in, and a sure instinct always

prevented e of provocation I

never ventured; on the extre every minute form of respect, every propriety of ument without fear or uneasy

restraint; this suited both him and me

A tread creaked on the stairs at last Leah made her appearance;

but it was only to intimate that tea was ready in Mrs Fairfax's

rooo downstairs; for that