CHAPTER XXV 353
" Yes; though I touch it, it is a dream," said I, as I put it down from before my face. " Sir, have you finished supper?"
" Yes, Jane."
I rang the bell and ordered away the tray. When we were again alone, I stirred the fire, and then took a low seat at my master ' s knee.
" It is near midnight," I said.
" Yes: but remember, Jane, you promised to wake with me the night before my wedding."
" I did; and I will keep my promise, for an hour or two at least: I have no wish to go to bed."
" Are all your arrangements complete?" " All, sir."
" And on my part likewise," he returned, " I have settled everything; and we shall leave Thornfield to-morrow, within half-an-hour after our return from church."
" Very well, sir."
" With what an extraordinary smile you uttered that word-- ' very well,' Jane! What a bright spot of colour you have on each cheek! and how strangely your eyes glitter! Are you well?"
" I believe I am." " Believe! What is the matter? Tell me what you feel."
" I could not, sir: no words could tell you what I feel. I wish this present hour would never end: who knows with what fate the next may come