contents of my cup into my saucer, I did not choose to consider.

“Well, I sometimes think we are too quiet; but we run a chance of being busy enough now: for a little while at least,” said Mrs. Fairfax, still holding the note before her spectacles.

Ere I permitted myself to request an explanation, I tied the string of Ad�le’s pinafore, which happened to be loose: having helped her also to another bun and refilled her mug with milk, I said, nonchalantly —

“Mr. Rochester is not likely to return soon, I suppose?”

“Indeed he is — in three days, he says: that will be next Thursday; and not alone either. I don’t know how many of the fine people at the Leas are coming with