"Just tell me this," said I, "and since you know so much, you surely can tell it me--what of Mr. Rochester? How and where is he? What is he doing? Is he well?"

     "I am ignorant of all concerning Mr. Rochester: the letter never mentions him but to narrate the fraudulent and illegal attempt I have adverted to. You should rather ask the name of the governess--the nature of the event which requires her appearance."

     "Did no one go to Thornfield Hall, then? Did no one see Mr. Rochester?"

     "I suppose not."

     "But they wrote to him?"

     "Of course."

     "And what did he say? Who has his letters?"

     "Mr. Briggs intimates that the answer to his application was not from Mr. Rochester, but from a lady: it is signed 'Alice Fairfax.'"