Jane Eyre. An Autobiography / Джейн Эйр. Автобиография. Шарлотта Бронте
Читать онлайн.| Название | Jane Eyre. An Autobiography / Джейн Эйр. Автобиография |
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| Автор произведения | Шарлотта Бронте |
| Жанр | |
| Серия | |
| Издательство | |
| Год выпуска | 2023 |
| isbn | 978-5-6045575-3-2 |
“How do you do, my dear? I am afraid you have had a tiring ride; John drives so slowly; you must be cold, come to the fire.”
“Mrs. Fairfax, I suppose?” said I.
“Yes, you are right: do sit down.
“Now, then,[32] draw nearer to the fire,” she continued. “You’ve brought your luggage with you, haven’t you, my dear?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“She treats me like a visitor,” thought I. “I didn’t expect such a reception; I anticipated only coldness and stiffness.”
“Shall I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Fairfax to-night?” I asked.
“Miss Fairfax? Oh, you mean Miss Varens! Varens is the name of your future pupil.”
“Then she is not your daughter?”
“No, – I have no family.”
“I am so glad,” she continued, as she took the cat on her knee; “I am so glad you have come; it will be pleasant living here now with a companion. Thornfield is a fine old house, rather neglected of late years perhaps, but still it is a respectable place. I really felt lonely before little Adela Varens came and her nurse: a child makes a house alive all at once; and now you are here I shall be quite gay.”
My heart really warmed to the lady as I heard her talk.
“But I’ll not keep you sitting up late to-night,” said she; “and you have been travelling all day: you must feel tired. I’ll show you your bedroom.”
When Mrs. Fairfax had wished me a kind goodnight, I felt at last in safe haven. At once tired and happy, I slept soon and soundly[33]: when I awoke it was broad day.
The room looked such a bright little place to me that my spirits rose[34] at the view. I rose; I dressed myself with care: I sometimes regretted that I was not handsomer; I sometimes wished to have rosy cheeks, a straight nose, and small mouth; I desired to be tall, stately, and finely developed in figure; I felt it a misfortune that I was so little, so pale, and had irregular features. However, when I had brushed my hair very smooth, and put on my black frock with a clean white tucker, I thought I should produce a favourable impression on both Mrs. Fairfax and the pupil.
It was a fine autumn morning; crossing the lawn, I looked up at the front of the mansion. It was three storeys high. Farther off were hills; a little hamlet was on the side of one of them; the church of the district stood nearer Thornfield.
I was enjoying the pleasant fresh air, thinking what a great place it was for one lonely little dame like Mrs. Fairfax, when that lady appeared at the door.
“What! out already?” said she. “I see you are an early riser.” I went up to her, and she gave me an affable kiss and shake of the hand.
“How do you like Thornfield?” she asked. I told her I liked it very much.
“Yes,” she said, “it is a pretty place; but I fear it will be getting out of order, unless Mr. Rochester should decide to come and live here permanently: great houses and fine grounds require the presence of the proprietor.”
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