ofmywits,observedallthefemaleBrocklehurstsproducetheirpocket-handkerchiefsandapplythemtotheiroptics,whiletheelderlyladyswayedherselftoandfro,awoyoungeroneswhispered,“Howshog!”Mr.Brocklehurstresumed.

    “ThisIlearnedfromherberess;fromthepiousandcharitableladytedherinherorphanstate,rearedherasherowndaughter,andwhosekindness,whosegenerositytheunhappygirlrepaidbyaningratitudesobad,sodreadful,thatatlastherexcellentpatronesswasobligedtoseparateherfromherownyoungones,fearfullestherviciousexampleshouldiheirpurity:shehassentherheretobehealed,evenastheJewsofoldsenttheirdiseasedtothetroubledpoolofBethesda;and,teachers,superinte,Ibegofyounottoallowthewaterstostagnateroundher.”

    Withthissublimeclusion,Mr.Brocklehurstadjustedthetopbuttonofhissurtout,mutteredsomethingtohisfamily,whorose,bowedtoMissTemple,andthenallthegreatpeoplesailedinstatefromtheroom.Turningatthedoor,myjudgesaid—

    “Letherstandhalf-an-heronthatstool,anoooherduringtheremaiheday.”

    TherewasI,then,mountedaloft;I,whohadsaidIcouldheshameofstandingonmynaturalfeetinthemiddleoftheroom,wasnowexposedtogeneralvieedestalofinfamy.Whatmysensationswerenolanguagedescribe;butjustastheyallrose,stiflingmybreathandstrigmythroat,agirlcameupandpassedme:inpassing,sheliftedhereyes.Whatastrangelightinspiredthem!Whataraordinarysensationthatraysentthroughme!Howthenewfeelingboremeup!Itwasasifamartyr,ahero,hadpassedaslaveorvictim,andimpartedstrengthiransit.Imasteredtherisinghysteria,liftedupmyhead,andtookafirmstandoool.HelenBurns