I brought the portfolio from the library.

     "Approach the table," said he; and I wheeled it to his couch. Adele and Mrs. Fairfax drew near to see the pictures.

     "No crowding," said Mr. Rochester: "take the drawings from my hand as I finish with them; but don't push your faces up to mine."

     He deliberately scrutinised each sketch and painting. Three he laid aside; the others, when he had examined them, he swept from him.

     "Take them off to the other table, Mrs. Fairfax," said he, "and look at them with Adele;--you" (glancing at me) "resume your seat, and answer my questions. I perceive those pictures were done by one hand: was that hand yours?"

     "Yes."

     "And when did you find time to do them? They have taken much time, and some thought."

     "I did them in the last two vacations I spent at Lowood, when I had no other occupation."

     "Where did you get your copies?"