; sir; I have little experience of them: they are generally thought pleasant things。”
“Generally thought? But what do you think?”
“I should be obliged to take time; sir; before I could give you an answer worthy of your acceptance: a present has many faces to it; has it not? and one should consider all; before pronouncing an opinion as to its nature。”
“Miss Eyre; you are not so unsophisticated as Adèle: she demands a ‘cadeau;’ clamorously; the moment she sees me: you beat about the bush。”
“Because I have less confidence in my deserts than Adèle has: she can prefer the claim of old acquaintance; and the right too of custom; for she says you have always been in the habit of giving her playthings; but if I had to make out a case I should be puzzled; since I am a stranger; and have done nothing to entitle me to an acknowledgment。”
“Oh; don’t fall back on over…modesty! I have examined Adèle; and find you have taken great pains with her: she is not bright; she has no talents; yet in a short time she has made much improvement。”
“Sir; you have now given me my ‘cadeau;’ I am obliged to you: it is the meed teachers most covet—praise of their pupils’ progress。”
“Humph!” said Mr。 Rochester; and he took his tea in silence。
“e to the fire;” said the master; when the tray was taken away; and Mrs。 Fairfax had settled into a corner with her knitting; while Adèle was leading me by the hand round the room; showing me the beautiful books and