第二十一章英语音频（243字）

Chapter 21：Regret and Farewell

A few days later, I received a letter from Gateshead.
The letter said Mrs. Reed was seriously ill and wanted to see me.
My heart was filled with mixed emotions.

I remembered how cold and even cruel she had been to me.
But I also knew she was one of the few relatives I had.
I decided to go and visit her.

I explained the situation to Mr. Rochester, and he agreed to let me go.
Before I left, his expression was serious, as if he didn’t want me to go.
That gave me a sense of warmth.

When I returned to Gateshead, the house felt strange and quiet.
My cousins greeted me coldly.
I entered the sickroom and saw Mrs. Reed lying in bed.

She had aged a lot, and there was no pride left on her face.
When she saw me, I saw a flash of shame in her eyes.
But she didn’t say she was sorry.

She told me she had once received a letter from my uncle.
The letter said he wanted me to inherit his money.
But she hid the letter and never told me.

She said she regretted it and felt uneasy.
I listened quietly and did not blame her.
My heart no longer held anger

A few days later, Mrs. Reed passed away.
I stayed by her side until the end.
The experience made me stronger and more at peace.