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."