Jane has heard that it is a bad omen to dream of children, and now she has dreams on seven consecutive nights involving babies. She learns that her cousin John Reed has committed suicide, and that her aunt, Mrs. Reed, has suffered a stroke and is nearing death. Jane goes to Gateshead, where she is reunited with Bessie. She also sees her cousins Eliza and Georgiana. Eliza is plain and plans to enter a convent, while Georgiana is as beautiful as ever. Ever since Eliza ruined Georgiana’s hopes of eloping with a young man, the two sisters have not gotten along. Jane tries to patch things up with Mrs. Reed, but the old woman is still full of hostility toward her late husband’s favorite. One day, Mrs. Reed gives Jane a letter from her father’s brother, John Eyre. He declares that he wishes to adopt Jane and bequeath her his fortune. The letter is three years old; out of malice, Mrs. Reed did not forward it to Jane when she received it. In spite of her aunt’s behavior, Jane tries once more to smooth relations with the dying woman. But Mrs. Reed refuses, and, at midnight, she dies.
The author's speech at the Atlanta Exposition allows for even more opportunity for increased exposure and development of the Tuskegee Institute, but the it is not without it's detractors.
A tale of a young man, seduced by the mystery of Lord Ruthven. He soon finds that there are aspects to the Lord which he did not first recognize for what they were. Aubrey finds love, but his happiness is not lasting. He makes an oath to Ruthven, the consequences of which are devastating.
A fairy tale about a boy Jack, known as the Giant Killer, and his adventures of escape from giants, magicians, and other horrendous monsters.
Ishmael retells a story from the a gam with the whaling ship Town-Ho.
Monsieur Cavalcanti, Benedetto, visits Caderousse's house.
After Mr. Brocklehurst’s negligent treatment of the girls at Lowood is found to be one of the causes of the typhus epidemic, a new group of overseers is brought in to run the school. Conditions improve dramatically for the young girls, and Jane excels in her studies for the next six years. After spending two more years at Lowood as a teacher, Jane decides she is ready for a change, partly because Miss Temple gets married and leaves the school. She advertises in search of a post as a governess and accepts a position at a manor called Thornfield. Before leaving, Jane receives a visit from Bessie, who tells her what has happened at Gateshead since Jane departed for Lowood. Georgiana attempted to run away in secret with a man named Lord Edwin Vere, but Eliza foiled the plan by revealing it to Mrs. Reed. John has fallen into a life of debauchery and dissolution. Bessie also tells Jane that her father’s brother, John Eyre, appeared at Gateshead seven years ago, looking for Jane. He did not have the time to travel to Lowood and went away to Madeira (a Portuguese island west of Morocco) in search of wealth. Jane and Bessie part ways, Bessie returning to Gateshead, and Jane leaving for her new life at Thornfield.
News of George's fate reaches the elder Osbourne. George's final wishes are not honored. Amelia, accompanied by Dobbin, returns home.
The reintroduction of Willoughby seems particularly designed to prove him as callow and cruel as his behavior to Marianne in London suggested.
When Hepzibah enters Clifford's room, she finds it empty. When she returns downstairs, Clifford appears exclaimg that they're free. She recoils in horror at the Judge’s dead body.
After another incident with the Macedonia, the crew of the Ghost engage the intervening boats, prompting Death to give chase to his brother's ship.
Three years have passed and Mr. March has come home. Meg is preparing for her marriage, while Jo pursues a writing career.
Luzhin accusations of theft anger Katerina, whose attempt to clear Sonia's name only further implicates her. Lebezyatnikov's appearance signals an end to Luzhin's deceptive plan. The Marmeladovs are evicted.
Pip and Herbert take Magwitch down river.
David delivers Little Em'ly's letter to Ham. David witnesses a tragedy on the coast.
Jonathan journals about his conversation with Count Dracula regarding England and the new estate in London that Jonathan secured for him. He notices strange things about the Count and his castle that makes him feel uneasy and like a prisoner.
Years have passed. The narrator reveals what Dorian’s life has become.
Jack Tier's true identity is revealed.
Miles and Bea are married, and although invited, not a single member of the Jolly Seventeen choose to attend the ceremony. A board appointment by the mayor temporarily encourages Carol. Will's mention of children causes Carol to become despondent. A new world conflict erupts, but the people of Gopher Prairie fail to take notice.
Hunsden returns and meets with William and Frances.
Eppie, now eighteen, and Silas discuss many plans for the future.
Jane finds life at Thornfield pleasant and comfortable. Adèle proves to be exuberant and intelligent, though spoiled and at times a bit petulant. Nonetheless, Jane is frequently restless and collects her thoughts while pacing Thornfield’s top-story passageway. One evening a few months after her arrival at Thornfield, Jane is alone watching the moon rise when she perceives a horse approaching. It calls to her mind the story Bessie once told her of a spirit called a Gytrash, which disguises itself as a mule, dog, or horse to frighten “belated travellers.” Oddly enough, a dog then appears as well. Once she realizes that the horse has a rider, the uncanny moment ceases. Just after the horse passes her, it slips on a patch of ice, and its rider tumbles to the ground. Jane helps the man rise to his feet and introduces herself to him. She observes that he has a dark face, stern features, and a heavy brow. He is not quite middle-aged. Upon reentering Thornfield, Jane goes to Mrs. Fairfax’s room and sees the same dog—Pilot—resting on the rug. A servant answers Jane’s queries, explaining that the dog belongs to Mr. Rochester, who has just returned home with a sprained ankle, having fallen from his horse.
Pip prepares to leave for London feeling guilty about his behavior.
The boat avoids trouble. Captain Spike remembers Jack Tier. Mrs. Budd shows her interesting view of things. Jack Tier boards the Molly Swash. The captain disguises the boat.