CHAPTER XIII 152
" Because I have less confidence in my deserts than Adele has: she can prefer the claim of old acquaintance, and the right too of custom; for she says you have always been in the habit of giving her playthings; but if I had to make out a case I should be puzzled, since I am a stranger, and have done nothing to entitle me to an acknowledgment."
" Oh, don ' t fall back on over-modesty! I have examined Adele, and find you have taken great pains with her: she is not bright, she has no talents; yet in a short time she has made much improvement."
" Sir, you have now given me my ' cadeau;' I am obliged to you: it is the meed teachers most covet-- praise of their pupils ' progress."
" Humph!" said Mr. Rochester, and he took his tea in silence.
" Come to the fire," said the master, when the tray was taken away, and Mrs. Fairfax had settled into a corner with her knitting; while Adele was leading me by the hand round the room, showing me the beautiful books and ornaments on the consoles and chiffonnieres. We obeyed, as in duty bound; Adele wanted to take a seat on my knee, but she was ordered to amuse herself with Pilot.
" You have been resident in my house three months?" " Yes, sir." " And you came from--?" " From Lowood school, in-shire." " Ah! a charitable concern. How long were you there?" " Eight years."
" Eight years! you must be tenacious of life. I thought half the time in such a place would have done up any constitution! No wonder you have rather the