CHAPTER XXXVII 557
" Well, you can leave me, ma ' am: but before you go "( and he retained me by a firmer grasp than ever), " you will be pleased just to answer me a question or two." He paused.
" What questions, Mr. Rochester?" Then followed this cross-examination.
" St. John made you schoolmistress of Morton before he knew you were his cousin?"
" Yes." " You would often see him? He would visit the school sometimes?" " Daily."
" He would approve of your plans, Jane? I know they would be clever, for you are a talented creature!"
" He approved of them-- yes."
" He would discover many things in you he could not have expected to find? Some of your accomplishments are not ordinary."
" I don ' t know about that."
" You had a little cottage near the school, you say: did he ever come there to see you?"
" Now and then?" " Of an evening?" " Once or twice."