CHAPTER X 111
Here the socket of the candle dropped , and the wick went out .
Next day new steps were to be taken ; my plans could no longer be confined to my own breast ; I must impart them in order to achieve their success . Having sought and obtained an audience of the superintendent during the noontide recreation , I told her I had a prospect of getting a new situation where the salary would be double what I now received ( for at Lowood I only got 15 pounds per annum ); and requested she would break the matter for me to Mr . Brocklehurst , or some of the committee , and ascertain whether they would permit me to mention them as references . She obligingly consented to act as mediatrix in the matter . The next day she laid the affair before Mr . Brocklehurst , who said that Mrs . Reed must be written to , as she was my natural guardian . A note was accordingly addressed to that lady , who returned for answer , that " I might do as I pleased : she had long relinquished all interference in my affairs ." This note went the round of the committee , and at last , after what appeared to me most tedious delay , formal leave was given me to better my condition if I could ; and an assurance added , that as I had always conducted myself well , both as teacher and pupil , at Lowood , a testimonial of character and capacity , signed by the inspectors of that institution , should forthwith be furnished me .
This testimonial I accordingly received in about a month , forwarded a copy of it to Mrs . Fairfax , and got that lady ' s reply , stating that she was satisfied , and fixing that day fortnight as the period for my assuming the post of governess in her house .
I now busied myself in preparations : the fortnight passed rapidly . I had not a very large wardrobe , though it was adequate to my wants ; and the last day sufficed to pack my trunk , -- the same I had brought with me eight years ago from Gateshead .
The box was corded , the card nailed on . In half-an-hour the carrier was to call for it to take it to Lowton , whither I myself was to repair at an early hour the next morning to meet the coach . I had brushed my black stuff travelling-dress , prepared my bonnet , gloves , and muff ; sought in all my