my fancy was much captivated by the idea of long chimneys and clouds of smoke—“but；” I argued； “Thornfield will； probably； be a good way from the town。”
Here the socket of the candle dropped； and the wick went out。
Next day new steps were to be taken； my plans could no longer be confined to my own breast； I must impart them in order to achieve their success。 Having sought and obtained an audience of the superintendent during the noontide recreation； I told her I had a prospect of getting a new situation where the salary would be double what I now received （for at Lowood I only got ￡15 per annum）； and requested she would break the matter for me to Mr。 Brocklehurst； or some of the mittee； and ascertain whether they would permit me to mention them as references。 She obligingly consented to act as mediatrix in the matter。 The next day she laid the affair before Mr。 Brocklehurst； who said that Mrs。 Reed must be written to； as she was my natural guardian。 A note was accordingly addressed to that lady； who returned for answer； that “I might do as I pleased： she had long relinquished all interference in my affairs。” This note went the round of the mittee； and at last； after what appeared to me most tedious delay； formal leave was given me to better my condition if I could； and an assurance added； that as I had always conducted myself well； both as teacher and pupil； at Lowood； a testimonial of character and capacity； signed by the inspectors of that institution； should forthwith be furnished me。
This testimonial I accordingly received in about a month； forwarded a copy of it to Mrs。 Fairfax； and got that lady’s reply； stating that she was satisfied； and fixing that day fortnight as the period for my assuming the post of governess in her house。
I now