简爱 Jane41 - Chapter 11 A Great Party at Thornfield

　　Jane 41 简爱

　　PART THREE - A YOUNG WOMAN AT THORNFIELD

　　CHAPTER ELEVEN

　　A Great Party at Thornfield

　　"Does she know?" Mildred whispered.

　　"No, and she isn't going to find out! Do you understand? Don't tell her anything!" It was then that I knew there was a secret at Thornfield.

　　At last the day of the party came. Everything was ready for Mr. Rochester and his guests. As the people arrived Adele and I watched from an upstairs window. We saw Mr. Rochester on his black horse, and with him rode a beautiful lady, her black curls flying in the wind. "That must be Blanche Ingram!" I thought. Soon many ladies and gentlemen were walking through the house, talking and laughing.

　　Adele loved parties and hoped that Mr. Rochester would ask her to meet the guests, but she and I both went to bed early. Mr. Rochester asked for me to bring Adele down the next evening.

　　The next night, Adele and I were in the sitting room when the ladies came in after dinner. We were dressed in our best clothes. All the women were beautiful, but I was especially interested in Blanche Ingram. After the gentlemen had had their wine, they came into the sitting room and coffee and tea were served. Everyone was paying attention to Miss Ingram. She played the piano excellently and sang sweetly. Her shining eyes, black hair, and fine figure made every man in the room look at her.