I was thinking, sir, that very few masters would trouble themselves to inquire whether or not their paid subordinates were piqued and hurt by their orders.
Chapter 14 · Jane Eyre
Context
Rochester has asked Jane to agree to receive his orders without being hurt by his commanding tone. Jane replies by pointing out how unusual his concern for a subordinate's feelings actually is.
Analysis
The phrase "very few masters" frames Rochester's consideration as an anomaly, quietly indicting the norm: most employers never wonder whether their workers are hurt. Jane's tone is mild—"I was thinking"—but the content is cutting. She answers his request for submission by reminding him how rare his courtesy is, which both praises him and exposes the cruelty embedded in standard master-servant relations.
Essay Tip
Use this to argue that Jane's critiques of class inequality operate through understatement—she doesn't need to denounce masters directly; simply noting what "very few" do makes the reader infer what most do, turning a compliment into social commentary.