CHAPTER XXVII 383 flood annoyed him , so much the better . So I gave way and cried heartily .
Soon I heard him earnestly entreating me to be composed . I said I could not while he was in such a passion .
" But I am not angry , Jane : I only love you too well ; and you had steeled your little pale face with such a resolute , frozen look , I could not endure it . Hush , now , and wipe your eyes ."
His softened voice announced that he was subdued ; so I , in my turn , became calm . Now he made an effort to rest his head on my shoulder , but I would not permit it . Then he would draw me to him : no .
" Jane ! Jane !" he said , in such an accent of bitter sadness it thrilled along every nerve I had ; " you don ' t love me , then ? It was only my station , and the rank of my wife , that you valued ? Now that you think me disqualified to become your husband , you recoil from my touch as if I were some toad or ape ."
These words cut me : yet what could I do or I say ? I ought probably to have done or said nothing ; but I was so tortured by a sense of remorse at thus hurting his feelings , I could not control the wish to drop balm where I had wounded .
" I DO love you ," I said , " more than ever : but I must not show or indulge the feeling : and this is the last time I must express it ."
" The last time , Jane ! What ! do you think you can live with me , and see me daily , and yet , if you still love me , be always cold and distant ?"
" No , sir ; that I am certain I could not ; and therefore I see there is but one way : but you will be furious if I mention it ."
" Oh , mention it ! If I storm , you have the art of weeping ." " Mr . Rochester , I must leave you ."