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?"