Roundabout Papers Part 24

How well I remember the delight, and wonder, and pleasure with which I read "Jane Eyre," sent to me by an author whose name and s.e.x were then alike unknown to me; the strange fascinations of the book; and how with my own work pressing upon me, I could not, having taken the volumes up, lay them down until they were read through! Hundreds of those who, like myself, recognized and admired that master-work of a great genius, will look with a mournful interest and regard and curiosity upon the last fragmentary sketch from the n.o.ble hand which wrote "Jane Eyre."