Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Chapter 33 Page 19

my only relative; ever since being made aware of his existence, I had cherished the hope of one day seeing him: now, I never should.

And then this money came only to me: not to me and a rejoicing family, but to my isolated self. It was a grand boon doubtless; and independence would be glorious — yes, I felt that — that thought swelled my heart.

“You unbend your forehead at last,” said Mr. Rivers. “I thought Medusa had looked at you, and that you were turning to stone. Perhaps now you will ask how much you are worth?”

“How much am I worth?”

“Oh, a trifle! Nothing of course to speak of — twenty thousand pounds, I think they say — but what is that?”