CHAPTER XIV 164
rather sarcastic voice of Mr . Rochester , proceeding from the depths of an immense easy-chair at the fireside . " And mind ," he continued , " don ' t bother me with any details of the anatomical process , or any notice of the condition of the entrails : let your operation be conducted in silence : tiens-toi tranquille , enfant ; comprends-tu ?"
Adele seemed scarcely to need the warning -- she had already retired to a sofa with her treasure , and was busy untying the cord which secured the lid . Having removed this impediment , and lifted certain silvery envelopes of tissue paper , she merely exclaimed -
" Oh ciel ! Que c ' est beau !" and then remained absorbed in ecstatic contemplation .
" Is Miss Eyre there ?" now demanded the master , half rising from his seat to look round to the door , near which I still stood .
" Ah ! well , come forward ; be seated here ." He drew a chair near his own . " I am not fond of the prattle of children ," he continued ; " for , old bachelor as I am , I have no pleasant associations connected with their lisp . It would be intolerable to me to pass a whole evening tete-e-tete with a brat . Don ' t draw that chair farther off , Miss Eyre ; sit down exactly where I placed it -- if you please , that is . Confound these civilities ! I continually forget them . Nor do I particularly affect simple-minded old ladies . By-the-bye , I must have mine in mind ; it won ' t do to neglect her ; she is a Fairfax , or wed to one ; and blood is said to be thicker than water ."
He rang , and despatched an invitation to Mrs . Fairfax , who soon arrived , knitting-basket in hand .
" Good evening , madam ; I sent to you for a charitable purpose . I have forbidden Adele to talk to me about her presents , and she is bursting with repletion : have the goodness to serve her as auditress and interlocutrice ; it will be one of the most benevolent acts you ever performed ."