Chapter XIII Summary

Mr. Rochester's presence at Thornfield brings a stream of visitors. Jane and Adèle are forced to move their studies from the library to an upstairs room. Adèle is interested only in seeing Mr. Rochester and what gifts he may have brought her. Adèle and Jane are invited to dinner and Jane is encouraged to wear something other than black. When they enter the dining room, Mr. Rochester acknowledges Jane rather gruffly, which oddly, makes Jane feel more comfortable than if he had been overly polite.

Mr. Rochester does not attempt to join the small talk but asks Jane if she liked the gifts. They quietly verbally spar, each trying to sum up the other. Mr. Rochester comments that Jane has done well with Adèle, to which Jane replies that the compliment is the best gift he could...