CHAPTER XXIII 323
supposed , and after that I presented myself to see the result ; it was coldness both from her and her mother . I would not -- I could not -- marry Miss Ingram . You -- you strange , you almost unearthly thing ! -- I love as my own flesh . You -- poor and obscure , and small and plain as you are -- I entreat to accept me as a husband ."
" What , me !" I ejaculated , beginning in his earnestness -- and especially in his incivility -- to credit his sincerity : " me who have not a friend in the world but you -- if you are my friend : not a shilling but what you have given me ?"
" You , Jane , I must have you for my own -- entirely my own . Will you be mine ? Say yes , quickly ."
" Mr . Rochester , let me look at your face : turn to the moonlight ." " Why ?" " Because I want to read your countenance -- turn !"
" There ! you will find it scarcely more legible than a crumpled , scratched page . Read on : only make haste , for I suffer ."
His face was very much agitated and very much flushed , and there were strong workings in the features , and strange gleams in the eyes
" Oh , Jane , you torture me !" he exclaimed . " With that searching and yet faithful and generous look , you torture me !"
" How can I do that ? If you are true , and your offer real , my only feelings to you must be gratitude and devotion -- they cannot torture ."
" Gratitude !" he ejaculated ; and added wildly -- " Jane accept me quickly . Say , Edward -- give me my name -- Edward -- I will marry you ."