Jane Eyre - Pennsylvania State University

Charlotte Brontë
untiring tenderness, though you gave me no smile in return; expression is forming in your countenance. You are to share
and never weary of gazing into your eyes, though they had no my solitude. Do you understand?”
longer a ray of recognition for me.—But why do I follow I shook my head: it required a degree of courage, excited as
that train of ideas? I was talking of removing you from he was becoming, even to risk that mute sign of dissent. He
Thornfield. All, you know, is prepared for prompt depar- had been walking fast about the room, and he stopped, as if
ture: to-morrow you shall go. I only ask you to endure one suddenly rooted to one spot. He looked at me long and hard:
more night under this roof, Jane; and then, farewell to its I turned my eyes from him, fixed them on the fire, and tried
miseries and terrors for ever! I have a place to repair to, which to assume and maintain a quiet, collected aspect.
will be a secure sanctuary from hateful reminiscences, from “Now for the hitch in Jane’s character,” he said at last, speak-
unwelcome intrusion—even from falsehood and slander.” ing more calmly than from his look I had expected him to
“And take Adele with you, sir,” I interrupted; “she will be a speak. “The reel of silk has run smoothly enough so far; but
companion for you.”
I always knew there would come a knot and a puzzle: here it
“What do you mean, Jane? I told you I would send Adele is. Now for vexation, and exasperation, and endless trouble!
to school; and what do I want with a child for a companion, By God! I long to exert a fraction of Samson’s strength, and
and not my own child,—a French dancer’s bastard? Why do break the entanglement like tow!”
you importune me about her! I say, why do you assign Adele He recommenced his walk, but soon again stopped, and
to me for a companion?”
this time just before me.
“You spoke of a retirement, sir; and retirement and solitude “Jane! will you hear reason?” (he stooped and approached his
are dull: too dull for you.”
lips to my ear); “because, if you won’t, I’ll try violence.” His
“Solitude! solitude!” he reiterated with irritation. “I see I voice was hoarse; his look that of a man who is just about to
must come to an explanation. I don’t know what sphynx-like burst an insufferable bond and plunge headlong into wild li-
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