CHAPTER XXVII 401
would have succumbed now. I had dared and baffled his fury; I must elude his sorrow: I retired to the door.
" You are going, Jane?" " I am going, sir." " You are leaving me?" " Yes."
" You will not come? You will not be my comforter, my rescuer? My deep love, my wild woe, my frantic prayer, are all nothing to you?"
What unutterable pathos was in his voice! How hard it was to reiterate firmly, " I am going."
" Jane!" " Mr. Rochester!"
" Withdraw, then,-- I consent; but remember, you leave me here in anguish. Go up to your own room; think over all I have said, and, Jane, cast a glance on my sufferings-- think of me."
He turned away; he threw himself on his face on the sofa. " Oh, Jane! my hope-- my love-- my life!" broke in anguish from his lips. Then came a deep, strong sob.
I had already gained the door; but, reader, I walked back-- walked back as determinedly as I had retreated. I knelt down by him; I turned his face from the cushion to me; I kissed his cheek; I smoothed his hair with my hand.
" God bless you, my dear master!" I said. " God keep you from harm and wrong-- direct you, solace you-- reward you well for your past kindness to me."