midday
As humble now as in the days of her serfdom , Jane was incapable of revolting against the tyranny of circumstances . Life had grown very hard for her again , but she believed that this was to a great extent her own fault , the outcome of her own unworthy weakness . At Michael 's return she did her best to betray no idle despondency . Their midday meal was almost as silent as breakfast had been ; his eyes avoided her , and frequently he lost himself in thought . As he was rising from the table Jane observed an unsteadiness in his movement ; he shook his head mechanically and leaned forward on both his hands , as if feeling giddy . She approached him , but did not venture to speak . ` I 'll go upstairs , ' he said , having sighed slightly .