《简爱》英文版 17

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I could not understand Helen's ideas, but I had a feeling she was right. I looked at her in amazement.
"You say you have faults, Helen. What are they? To me you seem very good."
"You are wrong," she answered. "I am careless, and I forget the rules of the school. I read when I should be doing my homework. So, Miss Scatcherd is right to scold me."
"Is Miss Temple as strict as that?" I asked.
A soft smile passed over Helen's normally serious face.
"Miss Temple is very kind. She is full of goodness. She gently tells me my mistakes, and is always happy when I do well. But even when she helps me, I am always dreaming, and thinking about other things. Then I can't answer the teacher's questions."
"But today in history class you knew all the answers!" I said.
"I thought it was an interesting subject, that's all," she replied.
"You must think Miss Temple's lessons are interesting, because you like her and she is good to you. I'm like that. I love those who love me, and I hate those who punish me unfairly."
"You should read the Bible, Jane. People who believe in Jesus Christ should love their enemies," said Helen.
"Then I would love the Reed family, which is impossible." I cried.
Helen listened carefully to the long story of my life at Gateshead.
"Well," I asked at the end, "Mrs. Reed is a bad woman, isn't she? Don't you agree with me?"
"It's true she is unkind, but only because she dislikes your faults. Look how angrily you remember every word! You would be happier if you tried to forget her scolding. Life is too short to hate other people, Jane. We all have faults, but when we die, only the pure flame of the spirit will be left. That's why I never think of revenge, I never consider life unfair. I live in calm, looking forward to the end."
For a moment we both stayed silent. Then one of the big girls came up, calling,"Helen Burns! You go and put away your work immediately or I'll tell Miss Scatcherd!"
Helen sighed, but stood up and silently obeyed her.