CHAPTER XXXIII 489
you will be my brother : when you uttered the words I was satisfied , happy ; repeat them , if you can , repeat them sincerely ."
" I think I can . I know I have always loved my own sisters ; and I know on what my affection for them is grounded , -- respect for their worth and admiration of their talents . You too have principle and mind : your tastes and habits resemble Diana ' s and Mary ' s ; your presence is always agreeable to me ; in your conversation I have already for some time found a salutary solace . I feel I can easily and naturally make room in my heart for you , as my third and youngest sister ."
" Thank you : that contents me for to-night . Now you had better go ; for if you stay longer , you will perhaps irritate me afresh by some mistrustful scruple ."
" And the school , Miss Eyre ? It must now be shut up , I suppose ?" " No . I will retain my post of mistress till you get a substitute ." He smiled approbation : we shook hands , and he took leave .
I need not narrate in detail the further struggles I had , and arguments I used , to get matters regarding the legacy settled as I wished . My task was a very hard one ; but , as I was absolutely resolved -- as my cousins saw at length that my mind was really and immutably fixed on making a just division of the property -- as they must in their own hearts have felt the equity of the intention ; and must , besides , have been innately conscious that in my place they would have done precisely what I wished to do -- they yielded at length so far as to consent to put the affair to arbitration . The judges chosen were Mr . Oliver and an able lawyer : both coincided in my opinion : I carried my point . The instruments of transfer were drawn out : St . John , Diana , Mary , and I , each became possessed of a competency .