, -
    »With her constitution she should have lived to a good old age: her life was
shortened by trouble.« And then a spasm constricted her mouth for an instant: as
it passed away she turned and left the room, and so did I. Neither of us had
dropt a tear.
 

                                  Chapter XXII

Mr. Rochester had given me but one week's leave of absence: yet a month elapsed
before I quitted Gateshead. I wished to leave immediately after the funeral; but
Georgiana entreated me to stay till she could get off to London: whither she was
now at last invited by her uncle, Mr. Gibson; who had come down to direct his
sister's interment, and settle the family affairs. Georgiana said she dreaded
being left alone with Eliza; from her she got neither sympathy in her dejection,
support in her fears, nor aid in her preparations; so I bore with her
feeble-minded quailings, and selfish lamentations, as well as I could, and did
my best in sewing for her and packing her dresses. It is true, that while I
worked, she would idle; and I thought to myself, »If you and I were destined to
live always together, cousin, we would commence matters on a different footing.
I should not settle tamely down into being the forbearing party; I should assign
you your share of labour, and compel you to accomplish it, or else it should be
left undone: I should insist, also, on your keeping some of those drawling,
half-insincere complaints hushed in your own breast. It is only because our
connection happens to be very transitory, and comes at a peculiarly mournful
season, that I consent thus to render it so patient and compliant on my part.«
    At last I saw Georgiana off; but now it was Eliza's turn to request me to
stay another week. Her plans required all her time and attention, she said: she
was about to depart for some unknown bourne; and all day long she stayed in her
own room, her door bolted within, filling trunks, emptying drawers, burning
papers, and holding no communication with any one. She wished me to look after
the house, to see callers, and answer notes of condolence.
    One morning, she told me I was at liberty. »And,« she added, »I am obliged
to you for your valuable services and discreet conduct. There is some difference
between living with such a one as you, and with Georgiana: you perform your own
part in life, and burden no
