CHAPTER VIII 89 credible : I felt as I went on that Miss Temple fully believed me .
In the course of the tale I had mentioned Mr . Lloyd as having come to see me after the fit : for I never forgot the , to me , frightful episode of the red-room : in detailing which , my excitement was sure , in some degree , to break bounds ; for nothing could soften in my recollection the spasm of agony which clutched my heart when Mrs . Reed spurned my wild supplication for pardon , and locked me a second time in the dark and haunted chamber .
I had finished : Miss Temple regarded me a few minutes in silence ; she then said -
" I know something of Mr . Lloyd ; I shall write to him ; if his reply agrees with your statement , you shall be publicly cleared from every imputation ; to me , Jane , you are clear now ."
She kissed me , and still keeping me at her side ( where I was well contented to stand , for I derived a child ' s pleasure from the contemplation of her face , her dress , her one or two ornaments , her white forehead , her clustered and shining curls , and beaming dark eyes ), she proceeded to address Helen Burns .
" How are you to-night , Helen ? Have you coughed much to-day ?" " Not quite so much , I think , ma ' am ." " And the pain in your chest ?" " It is a little better ."
Miss Temple got up , took her hand and examined her pulse ; then she returned to her own seat : as she resumed it , I heard her sigh low . She was pensive a few minutes , then rousing herself , she said cheerfully -