as an alloy of inexpressible sadness。 I felt the impression of woe as she spoke; but I could not tell whence it came; and when; having done speaking; she breathed a little fast and coughed a short cough; I momentarily forgot my own sorrows to yield to a vague concern for her。
Resting my head on Helen’s shoulder; I put my arms round her waist; she drew me to her; and we reposed in silence。 We had not sat long thus; when another person came in。 Some heavy clouds; swept from the sky by a rising wind; had left the moon bare; and her light; streaming in through a window near; shone full both on us and on the approaching figure; which we at once recognised as Miss Temple。
“I came on purpose to find you; Jane Eyre;” said she; “I want you in my room; and as Helen Burns is with you; she may e too。”
We went; following the superintendent’s guidance; we had to thread some intricate passages; and mount a staircase before we reached her apartment; it contained a good fire; and looked cheerful。 Miss Temple told Helen Burns to be seated in a low arm…chair on one side of the hearth; and herself taking another; she called me to her side。
“Is it all over?” she asked; looking down at my face。 “Have you cried your grief away?”
“I am afraid I never shall do that。”
“Why?”
“Because I have been wrongly accused; and you; ma’am; and everybody else; will now think me wicked。”
“We shall think you what you prove yourself to be; my child。 Continue to