Page:Jane Eyre (1st edition), Volume 1.djvu/171

Rh enough, doubtless: so much the better, it would be a complete change at least. Not that my fancy was much captivated by the idea of long chimnies and clouds of smoke—"but"—I argued, "Thornfield will, probably, be a good way from the town."

Here the socket of the candle dropped, and the wick went out.

Next day new steps were to be taken: my plans could no longer be confined to my own breast; I must impart them in order to achieve their success. Having sought and obtained an audience of the Superintendent, during the noon-tide recreation, I told her I had a prospect of getting a new situation where the salary would be double what I now received (for, at Lowood, I only got 15l. per annum); and requested she would break the matter for me to Mr. Brocklehurst or some of the committee, and ascertain whether they would permit me to mention them as references. She obligingly consented to act as mediatrix in the matter. The next day she laid the affair before Mr. Brocklehurst; who said that Mrs. Reed must be written to, as she was my natural guardian. A note was accordingly addressed to that lady, who returned for answer, that "I might do as I pleased: she had long relinquished all interference in my affairs." This