Jane Eyre | Page 326

CHAPTER XXIV 326

CHAPTER XXIV

As I rose and dressed , I thought over what had happened , and wondered if it were a dream . I could not be certain of the reality till I had seen Mr . Rochester again , and heard him renew his words of love and promise .
While arranging my hair , I looked at my face in the glass , and felt it was no longer plain : there was hope in its aspect and life in its colour ; and my eyes seemed as if they had beheld the fount of fruition , and borrowed beams from the lustrous ripple . I had often been unwilling to look at my master , because I feared he could not be pleased at my look ; but I was sure I might lift my face to his now , and not cool his affection by its expression . I took a plain but clean and light summer dress from my drawer and put it on : it seemed no attire had ever so well become me , because none had I ever worn in so blissful a mood .
I was not surprised , when I ran down into the hall , to see that a brilliant June morning had succeeded to the tempest of the night ; and to feel , through the open glass door , the breathing of a fresh and fragrant breeze . Nature must be gladsome when I was so happy . A beggar-woman and her little boy -- pale , ragged objects both -- were coming up the walk , and I ran down and gave them all the money I happened to have in my purse -- some three or four shillings : good or bad , they must partake of my jubilee . The rooks cawed , and blither birds sang ; but nothing was so merry or so musical as my own rejoicing heart .
Mrs . Fairfax surprised me by looking out of the window with a sad countenance , and saying gravely -- " Miss Eyre , will you come to breakfast ?" During the meal she was quiet and cool : but I could not undeceive her then . I must wait for my master to give explanations ; and so must she . I ate what I could , and then I hastened upstairs . I met Adele leaving the schoolroom .
" Where are you going ? It is time for lessons ." " Mr . Rochester has sent me away to the nursery ."