Here and there I strayed through the orchard，gathered up the apples with which the grass round the tree roots was thickly strewn; then I employed myself in dividing the ripe from the unripe; I carried them into the house and put them away in the storeroom. Then I repaired to the library to ascertain whether the fire was lit，for，though summer，I knew on such a gloomy evening Mr. Rochester would like to see a cheerful hearth when he came in: yes，the fire had been kindled some time，and burnt well. I placed his arm-chair by the chimney-corner: I wheeled the table near it: I let down the curtain，and had the candles brought in ready for lighting. More restless than ever，when I had pleted these arrangements I could not sit still，nor even remain in the house: a little timepiece in the room and the old clock in the hall simultaneously struck ten.

"How late it grows!" I said. "I will run down to the gates: it is moonlight at intervals; I can see a good way on the road. He may be ing now，and to meet him will save some minutes of suspense."