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me; attempting to draw from me information unawares。 The idea struck me that if she discovered I knew or suspected her guilt; she would be playing of some of her malignant pranks on me; I thought it advisable to be on my guard。
“On the contrary;” said I; “I bolted my door。”
“Then you are not in the habit of bolting your door every night before you get into bed?”
“Fiend! she wants to know my habits; that she may lay her plans accordingly!” Indignation again prevailed over prudence: I replied sharply; “Hitherto I have often omitted to fasten the bolt: I did not think it necessary。 I was not aware any danger or annoyance was to be dreaded at Thornfield Hall: but in future” (and I laid marked stress on the words) “I shall take good care to make all secure before I venture to lie down。”
“It will be wise so to do;” was her answer: “this neighbourhood is as quiet as any I know; and I never heard of the hall being attempted by robbers since it was a house; though there are hundreds of pounds’ worth of plate in the plate…closet; as is well known。 And you see; for such a large house; there are very few servants; because master has never lived here much; and when he does e; being a bachelor; he needs little waiting on: but I always think it best to err on the safe side; a door is soon fastened; and it is as well to have a drawn bolt between one and any mischief that may be about。 A deal of people; Miss; are for trusting all to Providence; but I say Providence will not dispense with the means; though He often blesses them when they are used discreetly。” And here she closed her harangue: a long one for her; and uttered with the demureness of a Quakeress。
I still stood absolutely dumfoundered at what appeared to me her miraculous self…possession an
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