CHAPTER XXIII 320
with what I delight in , -- with an original , a vigorous , an expanded mind . I have known you , Mr . Rochester ; and it strikes me with terror and anguish to feel I absolutely must be torn from you for ever . I see the necessity of departure ; and it is like looking on the necessity of death ."
" Where do you see the necessity ?" he asked suddenly . " Where ? You , sir , have placed it before me ." " In what shape ?" " In the shape of Miss Ingram ; a noble and beautiful woman , -- your bride ." " My bride ! What bride ? I have no bride !" " But you will have ." " Yes ; -- I will ! -- I will !" He set his teeth . " Then I must go : - you have said it yourself ." " No : you must stay ! I swear it -- and the oath shall be kept ."
" I tell you I must go !" I retorted , roused to something like passion . " Do you think I can stay to become nothing to you ? Do you think I am an automaton ? -- a machine without feelings ? and can bear to have my morsel of bread snatched from my lips , and my drop of living water dashed from my cup ? Do you think , because I am poor , obscure , plain , and little , I am soulless and heartless ? You think wrong ! -- I have as much soul as you , -- and full as much heart ! And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth , I should have made it as hard for you to leave me , as it is now for me to leave you . I am not talking to you now through the medium of custom , conventionalities , nor even of mortal flesh ; -- it is my spirit that addresses your spirit ; just as if both had passed through the grave , and we stood at God ' s feet , equal , -- as we are !"