CHAPTER XXVI 368 of it is now in my possession . Signed , Richard Mason .'"
" That -- if a genuine document -- may prove I have been married , but it does not prove that the woman mentioned therein as my wife is still living ."
" She was living three months ago ," returned the lawyer . " How do you know ?"
" I have a witness to the fact , whose testimony even you , sir , will scarcely controvert ."
" Produce him -- or go to hell ."
" I will produce him first -- he is on the spot . Mr . Mason , have the goodness to step forward ."
Mr . Rochester , on hearing the name , set his teeth ; he experienced , too , a sort of strong convulsive quiver ; near to him as I was , I felt the spasmodic movement of fury or despair run through his frame . The second stranger , who had hitherto lingered in the background , now drew near ; a pale face looked over the solicitor ' s shoulder -- yes , it was Mason himself . Mr . Rochester turned and glared at him . His eye , as I have often said , was a black eye : it had now a tawny , nay , a bloody light in its gloom ; and his face flushed -- olive cheek and hueless forehead received a glow as from spreading , ascending heart-fire : and he stirred , lifted his strong arm -- he could have struck Mason , dashed him on the church-floor , shocked by ruthless blow the breath from his body -- but Mason shrank away , and cried faintly , " Good God !" Contempt fell cool on Mr . Rochester -- his passion died as if a blight had shrivelled it up : he only asked -- " What have YOU to say ?"
An inaudible reply escaped Mason ' s white lips .
" The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly . I again demand , what have you to say ?"