CHAPTER XXIV 342
consent to cut your bonds till you have signed a charter , the most liberal that despot ever yet conferred ."
" I would consent to be at your mercy , Jane ."
" I would have no mercy , Mr . Rochester , if you supplicated for it with an eye like that . While you looked so , I should be certain that whatever charter you might grant under coercion , your first act , when released , would be to violate its conditions ."
" Why , Jane , what would you have ? I fear you will compel me to go through a private marriage ceremony , besides that performed at the altar . You will stipulate , I see , for peculiar terms -- what will they be ?"
" I only want an easy mind , sir ; not crushed by crowded obligations . Do you remember what you said of Celine Varens ? -- of the diamonds , the cashmeres you gave her ? I will not be your English Celine Varens . I shall continue to act as Adele ' s governess ; by that I shall earn my board and lodging , and thirty pounds a year besides . I ' ll furnish my own wardrobe out of that money , and you shall give me nothing but -- "
" Well , but what ?" " Your regard ; and if I give you mine in return , that debt will be quit ."
" Well , for cool native impudence and pure innate pride , you haven ' t your equal ," said he . We were now approaching Thornfield . " Will it please you to dine with me to-day ?" he asked , as we re-entered the gates .
" No , thank you , sir ." " And what for , ' no , thank you ?' if one may inquire ."
" I never have dined with you , sir : and I see no reason why I should now : till -- "