CHAPTER 26

Sophie came at seven to dress me. She was very long indeed in accomplishing her task. So long

that Mr. Rochester, grown, I suppose, impatient of my delay, sent up to ask why I did not

come. She was just faceting my veil, the plain square of blonde, after all, to my hair

with a brooch. I hurried from under her hands as soon as I could.

Stop, she cried in French. Look at yourself in the mirror. You have not taken one peep.

So I turned at the door. I saw a robed and veiled figure, so unlike my usual self, that

it seemed almost the image of a stranger.

Jane called a voice, and I hastened down. I was received at the foot of the stares by Mr.

Rochester.

Linger, he said, my brain is on fire with impatience, and you Terry so long. He took me into

the dining-room, surveyed me, keenly all over, pronounced me fair as a lily, and not only

the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes.

And then telling me he would give me but ten minutes to eat some breakfast he rang the

bell. One of his lately hired servants, a footman, answered it.

As John getting the carriage ready, yes, sir, is the luggage brought down. They are bringing

it down, sir. Go you to the church. See if Mr. Wood, the clergyman, and the clerk are

there. Return and tell me. The church, as the reader knows, was but just beyond the gates.

The footman soon returned.

Mr. Wood is in the vestry, sir, putting on his surplus. And the carriage, the horses are

harnessing. We shall not want it to go to church, but it must be ready the moment we return.

All the boxes and luggage arranged and strapped on, and the coachman in his seat. Yes, sir.

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