CHAPTER XXIII 321
" As we are !" repeated Mr . Rochester -- " so ," he added , enclosing me in his arms . Gathering me to his breast , pressing his lips on my lips : " so , Jane !"
" Yes , so , sir ," I rejoined : " and yet not so ; for you are a married man -- or as good as a married man , and wed to one inferior to you -- to one with whom you have no sympathy -- whom I do not believe you truly love ; for I have seen and heard you sneer at her . I would scorn such a union : therefore I am better than you -- let me go !"
" Where , Jane ? To Ireland ?" " Yes -- to Ireland . I have spoken my mind , and can go anywhere now ."
" Jane , be still ; don ' t struggle so , like a wild frantic bird that is rending its own plumage in its desperation ."
" I am no bird ; and no net ensnares me ; I am a free human being with an independent will , which I now exert to leave you ."
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 , and must abide by it ." " Jane , be still a few moments : you are over-excited : I will be still too ."
A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk , and trembled through the boughs of the chestnut : it wandered away -- away -- to an indefinite distance -- it died . The nightingale ' s song was then the only voice of the