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."