CHAPTER XXIV 333
a fire-spirit you can be when you are indignant . You glowed in the cool moonlight last night , when you mutinied against fate , and claimed your rank as my equal . Janet , by-the-bye , it was you who made me the offer ."
" Of course I did . But to the point if you please , sir -- Miss Ingram ?"
" Well , I feigned courtship of Miss Ingram , because I wished to render you as madly in love with me as I was with you ; and I knew jealousy would be the best ally I could call in for the furtherance of that end ."
" Excellent ! Now you are small -- not one whit bigger than the end of my little finger . It was a burning shame and a scandalous disgrace to act in that way . Did you think nothing of Miss Ingram ' s feelings , sir ?"
" Her feelings are concentrated in one -- pride ; and that needs humbling . Were you jealous , Jane ?"
" Never mind , Mr . Rochester : it is in no way interesting to you to know that . Answer me truly once more . Do you think Miss Ingram will not suffer from your dishonest coquetry ? Won ' t she feel forsaken and deserted ?"
" Impossible ! -- when I told you how she , on the contrary , deserted me : the idea of my insolvency cooled , or rather extinguished , her flame in a moment ."
" You have a curious , designing mind , Mr . Rochester . I am afraid your principles on some points are eccentric ."
" My principles were never trained , Jane : they may have grown a little awry for want of attention ."
" Once again , seriously ; may I enjoy the great good that has been vouchsafed to me , without fearing that any one else is suffering the bitter pain I myself felt a while ago ?"