CHAPTER XXIV 336
I was so hurt by her coldness and scepticism , that the tears rose to my eyes .
" I am sorry to grieve you ," pursued the widow ; " but you are so young , and so little acquainted with men , I wished to put you on your guard . It is an old saying that ' all is not gold that glitters ;' and in this case I do fear there will be something found to be different to what either you or I expect ."
" Why ? -- am I a monster ?" I said : " is it impossible that Mr . Rochester should have a sincere affection for me ?"
" No : you are very well ; and much improved of late ; and Mr . Rochester , I daresay , is fond of you . I have always noticed that you were a sort of pet of his . There are times when , for your sake , I have been a little uneasy at his marked preference , and have wished to put you on your guard : but I did not like to suggest even the possibility of wrong . I knew such an idea would shock , perhaps offend you ; and you were so discreet , and so thoroughly modest and sensible , I hoped you might be trusted to protect yourself . Last night I cannot tell you what I suffered when I sought all over the house , and could find you nowhere , nor the master either ; and then , at twelve o ' clock , saw you come in with him ."
" Well , never mind that now ," I interrupted impatiently ; " it is enough that all was right ."
" I hope all will be right in the end ," she said : " but believe me , you cannot be too careful . Try and keep Mr . Rochester at a distance : distrust yourself as well as him . Gentlemen in his station are not accustomed to marry their governesses ."
I was growing truly irritated : happily , Adele ran in .
" Let me go , -- let me go to Millcote too !" she cried . " Mr . Rochester won ' t : though there is so much room in the new carriage . Beg him to let me go mademoiselle ."