CHAPTER XXIII 317
armful: but that ' s not to the point-- one can ' t have too much of such a very excellent thing as my beautiful Blanche): well, as I was saying-- listen to me, Jane! You ' re not turning your head to look after more moths, are you? That was only a lady-clock, child, ' flying away home.' I wish to remind you that it was you who first said to me, with that discretion I respect in you-- with that foresight, prudence, and humility which befit your responsible and dependent position-- that in case I married Miss Ingram, both you and little Adele had better trot forthwith. I pass over the sort of slur conveyed in this suggestion on the character of my beloved; indeed, when you are far away, Janet, I ' ll try to forget it: I shall notice only its wisdom; which is such that I have made it my law of action. Adele must go to school; and you, Miss Eyre, must get a new situation."
" Yes, sir, I will advertise immediately: and meantime, I suppose-- " I was going to say, " I suppose I may stay here, till I find another shelter to betake myself to:" but I stopped, feeling it would not do to risk a long sentence, for my voice was not quite under command.
" In about a month I hope to be a bridegroom," continued Mr. Rochester; " and in the interim, I shall myself look out for employment and an asylum for you."
" Thank you, sir; I am sorry to give-- "
" Oh, no need to apologise! I consider that when a dependent does her duty as well as you have done yours, she has a sort of claim upon her employer for any little assistance he can conveniently render her; indeed I have already, through my future mother-in-law, heard of a place that I think will suit: it is to undertake the education of the five daughters of Mrs. Dionysius O ' Gall of Bitternutt Lodge, Connaught, Ireland. You ' ll like Ireland, I think: they ' re such warm-hearted people there, they say."
" It is a long way off, sir."
" No matter-- a girl of your sense will not object to the voyage or the distance."