CHAPTER X 104
CHAPTER X
Hitherto I have recorded in detail the events of my insignificant existence : to the first ten years of my life I have given almost as many chapters . But this is not to be a regular autobiography . I am only bound to invoke Memory where I know her responses will possess some degree of interest ; therefore I now pass a space of eight years almost in silence : a few lines only are necessary to keep up the links of connection .
When the typhus fever had fulfilled its mission of devastation at Lowood , it gradually disappeared from thence ; but not till its virulence and the number of its victims had drawn public attention on the school . Inquiry was made into the origin of the scourge , and by degrees various facts came out which excited public indignation in a high degree . The unhealthy nature of the site ; the quantity and quality of the children ' s food ; the brackish , fetid water used in its preparation ; the pupils ' wretched clothing and accommodations -- all these things were discovered , and the discovery produced a result mortifying to Mr . Brocklehurst , but beneficial to the institution .
Several wealthy and benevolent individuals in the county subscribed largely for the erection of a more convenient building in a better situation ; new regulations were made ; improvements in diet and clothing introduced ; the funds of the school were intrusted to the management of a committee . Mr . Brocklehurst , who , from his wealth and family connections , could not be overlooked , still retained the post of treasurer ; but he was aided in the discharge of his duties by gentlemen of rather more enlarged and sympathising minds : his office of inspector , too , was shared by those who knew how to combine reason with strictness , comfort with economy , compassion with uprightness . The school , thus improved , became in time a truly useful and noble institution . I remained an inmate of its walls , after its regeneration , for eight years : six as pupil , and two as teacher ; and in both capacities I bear my testimony to its value and importance .
During these eight years my life was uniform : but not unhappy , because it was not inactive . I had the means of an excellent education placed within my reach ; a fondness for some of my studies , and a desire to excel in all ,