Mr. Rochester looked at me. He did not smile. I am the governess, I replied.
Ah,yes. The governess, the man said. Help me,please.
The man stood up very slowly,and he put hit hand on my shoulder. He walker slowly towards his horse. I helped him. He pulled himself onto the horse.
Thank you. Now go home quickly,the man said. And he rode away.
I walked on to the village and I posted my letter. Then I returned to Thornfield Hall. Bright lights were shining in the big house. I went inside.
A big black-and-white dog walked towards me. It came from the ding-room. I had seen the dog before.
Whose dog is that? I asked a servant.
It's Mr. Rochester's dog, the servant replied. Mr. Rochester has come home. But he has hurt his foot. His horse fell on some ice.
I smiled. The owner of Thornfield Hall had returned! But I did not see Mr. Rochester again that day.
I saw Mr. Rochester the next day. He sent for me in the evening. The put on a clean dress. I brushed my hair care-fully.
Mr. Rochester was in the large sitting-room. He was sitting in a big chair. His right foot was on a small chair. Mrs. Fairfax and Adele were sitting with him.
This is Miss Eyre,sir, Mrs. Fairfax said.
Mr. Rochester looked at me. He did not smile.
Sit by the fire, Miss Eyre, he said. Where have you come from?
From Lowood School, I replied. I was there for eight years.
Eight years! Mr. Rochester said. That is a long time! Who are your parents?
I have no parents, sir, I answered. That are dead.
But where is your home, Miss Eyre? Mr. Rochester asked.
I have no home, sir. I have no family, I said.
Why did you come to Thornfield Hall? Mr. Rochester asked.
I wanted to leave Lowood, sir. I replied. I put an advertisement in a newspaper. Mrs. Fairfax replied to my advertisement.
Yes' I did, Mrs. Fairfax said. Miss Eyre is a good teacher, Mr. Rochester.
Mr.Rochester smiled for the first time.
You are very young , Miss Eyre, he said.
I am eighteen, sir, I replied.
Mr. Rochester smiled again. He did not ask me more questions.
After that evening, I did not see Mr. Rochester for a few days. Then, one night, he sent for me again.
Sit near me, Miss Eyre, he said. Mrs. Fairfax will talk to Adele.
I sat down quietly, but did not speak. The fire was very bright. I saw Mr. Rochester's face clearly. I saw his