CHAPTER XXVI 372
" One never knows what she has , sir : she is so cunning : it is not in mortal discretion to fathom her craft ."
" We had better leave her ," whispered Mason . " Go to the devil !" was his brother-in-law ' s recommendation .
"' Ware !" cried Grace . The three gentlemen retreated simultaneously . Mr . Rochester flung me behind him : the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously , and laid her teeth to his cheek : they struggled . She was a big woman , in stature almost equalling her husband , and corpulent besides : she showed virile force in the contest -- more than once she almost throttled him , athletic as he was . He could have settled her with a well-planted blow ; but he would not strike : he would only wrestle . At last he mastered her arms ; Grace Poole gave him a cord , and he pinioned them behind her : with more rope , which was at hand , he bound her to a chair . The operation was performed amidst the fiercest yells and the most convulsive plunges . Mr . Rochester then turned to the spectators : he looked at them with a smile both acrid and desolate .
" That is MY WIFE ," said he . " Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know -- such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours ! And THIS is what I wished to have " ( laying his hand on my shoulder ): " this young girl , who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell , looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon , I wanted her just as a change after that fierce ragout . Wood and Briggs , look at the difference ! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder -- this face with that mask -- this form with that bulk ; then judge me , priest of the gospel and man of the law , and remember with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged ! Off with you now . I must shut up my prize ."
We all withdrew . Mr . Rochester stayed a moment behind us , to give some further order to Grace Poole . The solicitor addressed me as he descended the stair .