Jane spends three days sleeping and resting in St. John's house. She is drifting in and out of consciousness, unable to open her eyes or speak. On the third day, she feels much better. The first person to see after on waking is the servant who tried to repudiate her from the door. She is still reserved and cold in conversation with Jane, but her attitude changes as soon as she realizes that Jane is not a beggar, but an educated and intelligent young woman in distress. Jane then runs into Mary and Diana, who are happy to see her in a much better condition. They take her to cozy room to have a tea, where Jane meets St. John. He is also reserved in conversation to Jane, but curious about her past. Jane lets him know that she does not want to talk about it, nor she wants to reveal her real name and introduces herself as Jane Elliott. However, she gives him a portion of information about her life to reassure him she is not a deceiver and asks for help in getting a job, so that she does not become a burden on their family. St. John promises to help as much as he can.

     As the days go by, Jane grows closer to Mary and Diana. They spend their time together, reading, drawing and chatting. Still, Jane has little or no contact to St. John who is not just busy, but also distant from his family, although they will soon be apart, maybe forever. Mary and Diana, as governesses, are obliged to go back to their students, while St. John has to go back to parsonage in Morton. Jane knows that she cannot stay in Marsh End for long, so she brings up a question of her vocation, asking John if he has found any job for her. He answers affirmatively, explaining that there is something for her, although the proposal is poor. He has just furnished another school for girls in Morton and is in need for a teacher, so offers Jane to teach ignorant girls. Jane heartedly accepts the proposal, thankful for the opportunity to start her life over again.

     Meanwhile, a letter arrives to Marsh End, informing the Rivers that their uncle John died. Marry and Diana feel like they should explain to Jane that they are not shaken by the news since they have never seen him.

     The following day, all Marsh End residents go separate ways, leaving the house abandoned.

     Jane has moved to Morton and her first day at school is over. She is overwhelmed with mixed feelings and bursts into tears. She misses Rochester, but knows that she will never see him again. She feels degraded with the job of a teacher of rude, ignorant children, but knows that in comparison to the life of a beggar she is now in paradise. St. John's visit interrupts her contemplation. She uses the opportunity to express her genuine gratitude for her new home and opportunity to thrive. St. John gives her an advice on importance of endurance in life, announcing that he will soon go to the East in a mission. A beautiful girl passes by and catches John's attention. Jane admires her beauty and notices St. John trying to stay self-collected at the sight. They start conversing and learn that girl's name is Rosamond Oliver, that she has just arrived from another village and is trying to accustom to a new place. Jane spots St. John's discomfort and attempt to stay indifferent to the beauty of the girl, concluding that Diana Rivers was right when she told that St. John is "inexorable as death."

     Some time has passed and Jane has finally accommodated to Morton and its lifestyle. Her students are now fond of her, they thrive in education and her contribution to the village is recognized by its residents, who show affection toward Jane. St. John is her regular visitor, as well as Miss Oliver, who spends evenings in her home. On one occasion, Miss Oliver finds Jane's drawings and ask her to draw her portrait, which Jane heartedly accepts. Amazed with the drawing, Mr. Oliver, Rosamond's father, comes to meet Jane, and soon they become friends.

     During one of his visits, St. John notices Rosamond's drawing and fixates his eyes on it. Although he tries to hide his feelings, Jane recognizes that John is in love with that girl. She informs him that Rosamond is constantly talking about him, but he reasons against their relationship, claiming that there is no future for them as he is on a mission.