CHAPTER XXIV 334
" That you may, my good little girl: there is not another being in the world has the same pure love for me as yourself-- for I lay that pleasant unction to my soul, Jane, a belief in your affection."
I turned my lips to the hand that lay on my shoulder. I loved him very much-- more than I could trust myself to say-- more than words had power to express.
" Ask something more," he said presently; " it is my delight to be entreated, and to yield."
I was again ready with my request. " Communicate your intentions to Mrs. Fairfax, sir: she saw me with you last night in the hall, and she was shocked. Give her some explanation before I see her again. It pains me to be misjudged by so good a woman."
" Go to your room, and put on your bonnet," he replied. " I mean you to accompany me to Millcote this morning; and while you prepare for the drive, I will enlighten the old lady ' s understanding. Did she think, Janet, you had given the world for love, and considered it well lost?"
" I believe she thought I had forgotten my station, and yours, sir."
" Station! station!-- your station is in my heart, and on the necks of those who would insult you, now or hereafter.-- Go."
I was soon dressed; and when I heard Mr. Rochester quit Mrs. Fairfax ' s parlour, I hurried down to it. The old lady, had been reading her morning portion of Scripture-- the Lesson for the day; her Bible lay open before her, and her spectacles were upon it. Her occupation, suspended by Mr. Rochester ' s announcement, seemed now forgotten: her eyes, fixed on the blank wall opposite, expressed the surprise of a quiet mind stirred by unwonted tidings. Seeing me, she roused herself: she made a sort of effort to smile, and framed a few words of congratulation; but the smile expired, and the sentence was abandoned unfinished. She put up her spectacles, shut the Bible, and pushed her chair back from the table.