CHAPTER XVII 221
I feared -- or should I say , hoped ? -- the allusion to me would make Mr . Rochester glance my way ; and I involuntarily shrank farther into the shade : but he never turned his eyes .
" I have not considered the subject ," said he indifferently , looking straight before him .
" No , you men never do consider economy and common sense . You should hear mama on the chapter of governesses : Mary and I have had , I should think , a dozen at least in our day ; half of them detestable and the rest ridiculous , and all incubi -- were they not , mama ?"
" Did you speak , my own ?"
The young lady thus claimed as the dowager ' s special property , reiterated her question with an explanation .
" My dearest , don ' t mention governesses ; the word makes me nervous . I have suffered a martyrdom from their incompetency and caprice . I thank Heaven I have now done with them !"
Mrs . Dent here bent over to the pious lady and whispered something in her ear ; I suppose , from the answer elicited , it was a reminder that one of the anathematised race was present .
" Tant pis !" said her Ladyship , " I hope it may do her good !" Then , in a lower tone , but still loud enough for me to hear , " I noticed her ; I am a judge of physiognomy , and in hers I see all the faults of her class ."
" What are they , madam ?" inquired Mr . Rochester aloud .
" I will tell you in your private ear ," replied she , wagging her turban three times with portentous significancy .
" But my curiosity will be past its appetite ; it craves food now ."