She regretted to be under the necessity of keeping me at a distance; but that until she heard from Bessie and could discover by her own observation that I was endeavouring in good earnest to acquire a more sociable and childlike disposition, a more attractive and sprightly manner – something lighter, franker, more natural, as it were – she really must exclude me from privileges intended only for contented, happy, little children.

– Charlotte Bronte

Jane Eyre, Chapter 1. The orphaned Jane Eyre is viewed as a burden by her cruel aunt Mrs. Reed. She agreed to take Jane in and care for her only because her late husband Mr. Reed made her promise to do so on his deathbed. But Jane is not a welcome member of the Reed household at Gateshead Hall. In this passage Mrs. Reed’s talks about excluding Jane from the privileges enjoyed by her own children until she has a “more sociable” manner.