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 .