CHAPTER XVI 194
She took a new needleful of thread , waxed it carefully , threaded her needle with a steady hand , and then observed , with perfect composure -
" It is hardly likely master would laugh , I should think , Miss , when he was in such danger : You must have been dreaming ."
" I was not dreaming ," I said , with some warmth , for her brazen coolness provoked me . Again she looked at me ; and with the same scrutinising and conscious eye .
" Have you told master that you heard a laugh ?" she inquired . " I have not had the opportunity of speaking to him this morning ."
" You did not think of opening your door and looking out into the gallery ?" she further asked .
She appeared to be cross-questioning me , attempting to draw from me information unawares . The idea struck me that if she discovered I knew or suspected her guilt , she would be playing of some of her malignant pranks on me ; I thought it advisable to be on my guard .
" On the contrary ," said I , " I bolted my door ."
" Then you are not in the habit of bolting your door every night before you get into bed ?"
" Fiend ! she wants to know my habits , that she may lay her plans accordingly !" Indignation again prevailed over prudence : I replied sharply , " Hitherto I have often omitted to fasten the bolt : I did not think it necessary . I was not aware any danger or annoyance was to be dreaded at Thornfield Hall : but in future " ( and I laid marked stress on the words ) " I shall take good care to make all secure before I venture to lie down ."
" It will be wise so to do ," was her answer : " this neighbourhood is as quiet as any I know , and I never heard of the hall being attempted by robbers