else, will now think me wicked.'

'We shall think you what you prove yourself to be, my child.

Continue to act as a good girl, and you will satisfy us.'

'You will,' said she, passing her arm round me. 'And now tell me

who is the lady whom Mr. Brocklehurst called your benefactress?'

'Mrs. Reed, my uncle's wife. My uncle is dead, and he left me to

'Did she not, then, adopt you of her own accord?'

'No, ma'am; she was sorry to have to do it: but my uncle, as I have