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-- "