Джейн Эйр / Jane Eyre

�I like it,’ she answered, after a pause of a second or two, during which she examined me.

�What is it about?’ I continued. I hardly know where I found the hardihood thus to open a conversation with a stranger. The step was contrary to my nature and habits; but I think her occupation touched a chord of sympathy somewhere, for I, too, liked reading, though of a frivolous and childish kind. I could not digest or comprehend the serious or substantial.

�You may look at it,’ replied the girl, offering me the book.

I did so. A brief examination convinced me that the contents were less taking than the title. Rasselas looked dull to my trifling taste. I saw nothing about fairies, nothing about genii; no bright variety seemed spread over the closely printed pages. I returned it to her. She received it quietly, and, without saying anything she was about to relapse into her former studious mood. Again I ventured to disturb her:

�Can you tell me what the writing on that stone over the door means? What is Lowood Institution?’

�This house where you are come to live.

�And why do they call it Institution? Is it in any way different from other schools?’

�It is partly a charity-school. You and I, and all the rest of us, are charity-children. I suppose you are an orphan. Are not either your father or your mother dead?’

�Both died before I can remember.’

�Well, all the girls here have lost either one or both parents, and this is called an institution for educating orphans.

�Do we pay no money? Do they keep us for nothing?’

�We pay, or our friends pay, fifteen pounds a year for each.’

�Then why do they call us charity-children?’

�Because fifteen pounds is not enough for board and teaching, and the deficiency is supplied by subscription.’

�Who subscribes?’

�Different benevolent-minded ladies and gentlemen in this neighbourhood and in London.’

�Who was Naomi Brocklehurst?’

�The lady who built the new part of this house, as that tablet records, and whose son overlooks and directs everything here.

�Why?’

�Because he is treasurer and manager of the establishment.’

�Then this house does not belong to that tall lady who wears a watch, and who said we were to have some bread and cheese?’

�To Miss Temple? Oh, no! I wish it did. She has to answer to Mr. Brocklehurst for all she does. Mr.