CHAPTER XI 117
CHAPTER XI
A new chapter in a novel is something like a new scene in a play ; and when I draw up the curtain this time , reader , you must fancy you see a room in the George Inn at Millcote , with such large figured papering on the walls as inn rooms have ; such a carpet , such furniture , such ornaments on the mantelpiece , such prints , including a portrait of George the Third , and another of the Prince of Wales , and a representation of the death of Wolfe . All this is visible to you by the light of an oil lamp hanging from the ceiling , and by that of an excellent fire , near which I sit in my cloak and bonnet ; my muff and umbrella lie on the table , and I am warming away the numbness and chill contracted by sixteen hours ' exposure to the rawness of an October day : I left Lowton at four o ' clock a . m ., and the Millcote town clock is now just striking eight .
Reader , though I look comfortably accommodated , I am not very tranquil in my mind . I thought when the coach stopped here there would be some one to meet me ; I looked anxiously round as I descended the wooden steps the " boots " placed for my convenience , expecting to hear my name pronounced , and to see some description of carriage waiting to convey me to Thornfield . Nothing of the sort was visible ; and when I asked a waiter if any one had been to inquire after a Miss Eyre , I was answered in the negative : so I had no resource but to request to be shown into a private room : and here I am waiting , while all sorts of doubts and fears are troubling my thoughts .
It is a very strange sensation to inexperienced youth to feel itself quite alone in the world , cut adrift from every connection , uncertain whether the port to which it is bound can be reached , and prevented by many impediments from returning to that it has quitted . The charm of adventure sweetens that sensation , the glow of pride warms it ; but then the throb of fear disturbs it ; and fear with me became predominant when half-an-hour elapsed and still I was alone . I bethought myself to ring the bell .
" Is there a place in this neighbourhood called Thornfield ?" I asked of the waiter who answered the summons .