This was all the account I got from Mrs. Fairfax of her employer and mine. There are people who seem to have no notion of sketching a character, or observing and describing salient points, either in persons or things: the good lady evidently belonged to this class; my queries puzzled, but did not draw her out. Mr. Rochester was Mr. Rochester in her eyes; a gentleman, a landed proprietor – nothing more: she inquired and searched no further, and evidently wondered at my wish to gain a more definite notion of his identity.
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 11. Jane is curious about her new employer Mr. Rochester and asks Mrs. Fairfax questions about him. But she is left none the wiser by the housekeeper who cannot tell what kind of person he is, except that he is a landowner and gentleman. Jane’s new employer must remain a mystery to her until she can find out for herself what kind of man he is.