CHAPTER XIII 157
I brought the portfolio from the library.
" Approach the table," said he; and I wheeled it to his couch. Adele and Mrs. Fairfax drew near to see the pictures.
" No crowding," said Mr. Rochester: " take the drawings from my hand as I finish with them; but don ' t push your faces up to mine."
He deliberately scrutinised each sketch and painting. Three he laid aside; the others, when he had examined them, he swept from him.
" Take them off to the other table, Mrs. Fairfax," said he, " and look at them with Adele;-- you "( glancing at me) " resume your seat, and answer my questions. I perceive those pictures were done by one hand: was that hand yours?"
" Yes."
" And when did you find time to do them? They have taken much time, and some thought."
" I did them in the last two vacations I spent at Lowood, when I had no other occupation."
" Where did you get your copies?" " Out of my head." " That head I see now on your shoulders?" " Yes, sir." " Has it other furniture of the same kind within?" " I should think it may have: I should hope-- better."