From one to two, there was fancy-
work--a pupil reading aloud some light literature in each room; from two
to four, lessons again. At four, the externes left; and the remaining
girls dined in the refectoire, M. and Madame Heger presiding. From five
to six there was recreation, from six to seven, preparation for lessons;
and, after that succeeded the _lecture pieuse_--Charlotte's nightmare. On
rare occasions, M. Heger himself would come in, and substitute a book of
a different and more interesting kind. At eight, there was a slight meal
of water and _pistolets_ (the delicious little Brussels rolls), which was
immediately followed by prayers, and then to bed.
The principal bedroom was over the long classe, or schoolroom. There
were six or eight narrow beds on each side of the apartment, every one
enveloped in its white draping curtain; a long drawer, beneath each,
served for a wardrobe, and between each was a stand for ewer, basin, and
looking-glass. The beds of the two Miss Brontes were at the extreme end
of the room, almost as private and retired as if they had been in a
separate apartment.
During the hours of recreation, which were always spent in the garden,
they invariably walked together, and generally kept a profound silence;
Emily, though so much the taller, leaning on her sister.
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