CHAPTER XXI 281
" Doing well ! He could not do worse : he ruined his health and his estate amongst the worst men and the worst women . He got into debt and into jail : his mother helped him out twice , but as soon as he was free he returned to his old companions and habits . His head was not strong : the knaves he lived amongst fooled him beyond anything I ever heard . He came down to Gateshead about three weeks ago and wanted missis to give up all to him . Missis refused : her means have long been much reduced by his extravagance ; so he went back again , and the next news was that he was dead . How he died , God knows ! -- they say he killed himself ."
I was silent : the things were frightful . Robert Leaven resumed -
" Missis had been out of health herself for some time : she had got very stout , but was not strong with it ; and the loss of money and fear of poverty were quite breaking her down . The information about Mr . John ' s death and the manner of it came too suddenly : it brought on a stroke . She was three days without speaking ; but last Tuesday she seemed rather better : she appeared as if she wanted to say something , and kept making signs to my wife and mumbling . It was only yesterday morning , however , that Bessie understood she was pronouncing your name ; and at last she made out the words , ' Bring Jane -- fetch Jane Eyre : I want to speak to her .' Bessie is not sure whether she is in her right mind , or means anything by the words ; but she told Miss Reed and Miss Georgiana , and advised them to send for you . The young ladies put it off at first ; but their mother grew so restless , and said , ' Jane , Jane ,' so many times , that at last they consented . I left Gateshead yesterday : and if you can get ready , Miss , I should like to take you back with me early to-morrow morning ."
" Yes , Robert , I shall be ready : it seems to me that I ought to go ."
" I think so too , Miss . Bessie said she was sure you would not refuse : but I suppose you will have to ask leave before you can get off ?"
" Yes ; and I will do it now ;" and having directed him to the servants ' hall , and recommended him to the care of John ' s wife , and the attentions of John himself , I went in search of Mr . Rochester .