Jane Eyre | Page 461

CHAPTER XXXII 461

CHAPTER XXXII

I continued the labours of the village-school as actively and faithfully as I could . It was truly hard work at first . Some time elapsed before , with all my efforts , I could comprehend my scholars and their nature . Wholly untaught , with faculties quite torpid , they seemed to me hopelessly dull ; and , at first sight , all dull alike : but I soon found I was mistaken . There was a difference amongst them as amongst the educated ; and when I got to know them , and they me , this difference rapidly developed itself . Their amazement at me , my language , my rules , and ways , once subsided , I found some of these heavy-looking , gaping rustics wake up into sharp-witted girls enough . Many showed themselves obliging , and amiable too ; and I discovered amongst them not a few examples of natural politeness , and innate self-respect , as well as of excellent capacity , that won both my goodwill and my admiration . These soon took a pleasure in doing their work well , in keeping their persons neat , in learning their tasks regularly , in acquiring quiet and orderly manners . The rapidity of their progress , in some instances , was even surprising ; and an honest and happy pride I took in it : besides , I began personally to like some of the best girls ; and they liked me . I had amongst my scholars several farmers ' daughters : young women grown , almost . These could already read , write , and sew ; and to them I taught the elements of grammar , geography , history , and the finer kinds of needlework . I found estimable characters amongst them -- characters desirous of information and disposed for improvement -- with whom I passed many a pleasant evening hour in their own homes . Their parents then ( the farmer and his wife ) loaded me with attentions . There was an enjoyment in accepting their simple kindness , and in repaying it by a consideration -- a scrupulous regard to their feelings -- to which they were not , perhaps , at all times accustomed , and which both charmed and benefited them ; because , while it elevated them in their own eyes , it made them emulous to merit the deferential treatment they received .
I felt I became a favourite in the neighbourhood . Whenever I went out , I heard on all sides cordial salutations , and was welcomed with friendly smiles . To live amidst general regard , though it be but the regard of working people , is like " sitting in sunshine , calm and sweet ;" serene inward