The apartment allotted her opened upon a large garden, surrounded by high walls, and she walked within it daily.

Her serenity of mind remained undisturbed; her health visibly improved; and, what was yet more surprising, she entirely recovered her beauty.

The whole of her time not devoted to exercise, was spent in reading, or in prayer.

On the appointed day, Rochester presented himself.

She received him with the most perfect composure, and with a bland look, from which he augured favourably.