Another effort set me at liberty, and I stood erect before him.
"And your will shall decide your destiny ," he said; "I offer you my hand,my heart, and a share of all my possessions. "
"You play a farce, which I merely laugh at."
" I ask you to pass through life at my side - to be my second self, and best earthly companion "
" For that fate you have already made your choice, must abide by it."
" Jand, be still a few moments; you are over-excited; I will be still too."
must abide by it
A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk, and trembled through the boughs of the chestnut. I again wept. Mr. Rochester sat quiet, looking at me gently and seriously. Some time passed before he spoke; he at last said
" Come to my Jane, and let us explain and understand each other."
"I will never again come to your side."
But, Jane, I summon you as my wife; it is you only I intend to marry."
I was silent; I thought he mocked me.
" Come Jane."
" Your bride stands between us."
He rose, and with a stride reached me.
" My bride is here," he said, again drawing me to him, "because my equal 2s is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me? "
Still I did not answer, and still I writhed myself from his grasp, for I was still incredulous.
" Do you doubt me, Jane?"
" Entirely."
" You have no faith in me?"
" Not a whit."
" Am I a liar in your eyes?" he asked, passionately. "Little skeptic, you shall be convinced. What love have I for Miss Ingram? None, and that you know, what love has she for me? None, as I have taken pains to prove; I caused a rumor to reach her that my fortune was not a third of what was supposed and after that I presented myself to see the result; it was coldness. I would