Ere I had finished this reply, my soul began to expand, to exult, with
the strangest sense of freedom, of triumph, I ever felt. It seemed as if
an invisible bond had burst, and that I had struggled out into unhoped-for liberty. Not without cause was this sentiment: Mrs. Reed looked
frightened; her work had slipped from her knee; she was lifting up her
hands, rocking herself to and fro, and even twisting her face as if she
would cry.
"Jane, you are under a mistake: what is the matter with you? Why do you
tremble so violently? Would you like to drink some water?"
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"No, Mrs. Reed."
"Is there anything else you wish for, Jane? I assure you, I desire to be
your friend."
"Not you. You told Mr. Brocklehurst I had a bad character, a deceitful
disposition; and I'll let everybody at Lowood know what you are, and what
you have done."
"Jane, you don't understand these things: children must be corrected for
their faults."
"Deceit is not my fault!" I cried out in a savage, high voice.
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