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."