Chapter-18
Jane helped Diana and Mary in their household chores. They all enjoyed themselves all day. St John was hardly at home as he had to go out on pastoral excursions. He was a man of reserved nature. He was deeply committed to his duty. It was time for Mary and Diana to leave. Their holidays were almost over. The other day, St John had promised Jane to obtain a job for her at Morton. Thus, Jane said to St John, “Sir, have you got a job for me? The house will be shut up when Mary and Diana leave. I shall be left alone.”
St John replied,” Jane! don’t be disappointed. I have found a job for you. It is the job of a teacher for thirty pounds a year. You have to teach in a school established for the poor in a cottage of ten rooms. Your house will be furnished very simply but comfortably by a kind lady whose name is Miss Oliver. She is the only daughter of the sole rich man in my parish. Moreover, she pays for the clothing and education of an orphan who assists her in her household chores. To my mind, it is the best job taking everything into consideration.”
Hearing the words of St John Jane, at once, gave her consent. When the time came for the departure of Mary and Diana from Marsh End, they were in tears. They said to Jane, “Dear! we are now without father. Soon, we shall be without home and brother.” The three embraced one another. In the meantime, St John delivered the sad news to his sisters that their maternal uncle, John, was dead. The two sisters showed no emotion because their maternal uncle was responsible for the downfall of their father. They hoped that their uncle, who was unmarried, would bequeath his property to them to wash away his sin. On the contrary, their uncle had left his possessions for another relation.
Next day, Jane bade goodbye to Mary, Diana and Hannah, and left for Morton. She started teaching there in the school. But she was quite disappointed with the ignorance, poverty and coarseness of her students. Somehow, she managed to overcome all their drawbacks. Sometime, she would think of going back to Mr Rochester who was very fond of her and loved her from the bottom of his heart.
While Jane was having a discussion with St John in the compound of the school one day, a beautiful lady appeared there. The lady was an epitome of beauty. She was Miss Oliver about whom St John had told Jane. The lady said to Jane, “Hello dear! do you like your new job? Is there anything else you want?”
Jane replied, “No madam; I don’t need anything else. The job is fine.”
Then, the lady moved towards St John and said, “Dear! father is missing you very much. Why don’t you come to see us in the evening?”
There was a smile on the lips of St John.
