The Hégers were surprised at Miss Brontë's sudden resolution to leave them, but she is said to have had her father's failing eyesight as a reason. "I suffered much before I left Brussels," wrote Charlotte, and this was in mind, not body.
"I have long concealed the greater part of these resentful sentiments from you," continues Madame de Morville, "notwithstanding the implicit trust reposed in you. I wish I alone had suffered by them. But no, poor Lagrange doubtless could not endure the thousand vexations and spites ('taquineries sournoises') to which she was subjected, and was thereby driven from our house."
All this should be read as in connection with the departure of Miss Mary, the other phase of Miss Brontë, towards the end of the book. "I think, however long I live I shall not forget what the parting with M. Héger cost me," said Charlotte Brontë.[66]
Here is M. Sue's version:—
M. de Morville started, then regarding the governess with stupor, for he could not believe what he heard, he cried:—
"Quoi! Miss Mary, vous dites?"
"I say, monsieur, that I return to England, where I am recalled by my family."
The real reason why Miss Brontë left is given in the Lagrange passages to which I have alluded.
"Partir! but that is impossible! A departure so brusque, si peu attendu!"
"Pray do not perceive, monsieur," says the Irish governess, "in this unlooked for departure any want of regard for you; ... il a fallu des raisons graves, very grave, to compel me to such a resolution."