CHAPTER XXVI 363
CHAPTER XXVI
Sophie came at seven to dress me : she was very long indeed in accomplishing her task ; so long that Mr . Rochester , grown , I suppose , impatient of my delay , sent up to ask why I did not come . She was just fastening my veil ( the plain square of blond after all ) to my hair with a brooch ; I hurried from under her hands as soon as I could .
" Stop !" she cried in French . " Look at yourself in the mirror : you have not taken one peep ."
So I turned at the door : I saw a robed and veiled figure , so unlike my usual self that it seemed almost the image of a stranger . " Jane !" called a voice , and I hastened down . I was received at the foot of the stairs by Mr . Rochester .
" Lingerer !" he said , " my brain is on fire with impatience , and you tarry so long !"
He took me into the dining-room , surveyed me keenly all over , pronounced me " fair as a lily , and not only the pride of his life , but the desire of his eyes ," and then telling me he would give me but ten minutes to eat some breakfast , he rang the bell . One of his lately hired servants , a footman , answered it .
" Is John getting the carriage ready ?" " Yes , sir ." " Is the luggage brought down ?" " They are bringing it down , sir ."
" Go you to the church : see if Mr . Wood ( the clergyman ) and the clerk are there : return and tell me ."