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?"