• 121 chapter 14
• 128 chapter 15
  • 132
  • 133 "Sense would resist delirium: judgement would warn passion."

157-158

• 'Now is my time to slip away,' thought I: but the tones that then severed the air arrested me. Mrs. Fairfax had said Mr. Rochester possessed a fine voice: he did – a mellow, powerful bass, into which he threw his own feeling, his own force: finding a way through the ear to the heart, and there waking sensation strangely. I waited till the last deep and full vibration had expired – till the tide of talk, checked an instant, had resumed its flow; I then quitted my sheltered corner and made my exit by the side-door, which was fortunately near. Thence a narrow passage led into the hall: in crossing it, I perceived my sandal was loose; I stopped to tie it, kneeling down for that purpose on the mat at the foot of the staircase. I heard the dining-room door unclose; a gentleman came out; rising hastily, I stood face to face with him: it was Mr. Rochester.

‘How do you do?’ he asked. ‘I am very well, sir.’ ‘Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?’ I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but I would not take that freedom. I answered – ‘I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir.’ ‘What have you been doing during my absence?’ ‘Nothing particular; teaching Adèle as usual.’ ‘And getting a good deal paler than you were – as I saw at first sight. What is the matter?’ ‘Nothing at all, sir.’ ‘Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?’ ‘Not the least.’ ‘Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early.’ ‘I am tired, sir.’ He looked at me for a minute. ‘And a little depressed,’ he said. ‘What about? Tell me.’ ‘Nothing – nothing, sir. I am not depressed.’ ‘But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes – indeed, they are there now, shining and swimming; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means. Well, tonight I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish; don’t neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adèle. Good-night, my –‘ He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me.

• 217 chapter 23
• 263 chapter 27
• 397 chapter 38
  • 399

(Wordsworth Classics Edition)