[Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte]@TWC D-Link book
Jane Eyre

CHAPTERXV

25/27

I shall do very well on the sofa in the library for the rest of the night.

It is near four:--in two hours the servants will be up." "Good-night, then, sir," said I, departing.
He seemed surprised--very inconsistently so, as he had just told me to go.
"What!" he exclaimed, "are you quitting me already, and in that way ?" "You said I might go, sir." "But not without taking leave; not without a word or two of acknowledgment and good-will: not, in short, in that brief, dry fashion.
Why, you have saved my life!--snatched me from a horrible and excruciating death! and you walk past me as if we were mutual strangers! At least shake hands." He held out his hand; I gave him mine: he took it first in one, them in both his own.
"You have saved my life: I have a pleasure in owing you so immense a debt.

I cannot say more.

Nothing else that has being would have been tolerable to me in the character of creditor for such an obligation: but you: it is different;--I feel your benefits no burden, Jane." He paused; gazed at me: words almost visible trembled on his lips,--but his voice was checked.
"Good-night again, sir.

There is no debt, benefit, burden, obligation, in the case." "I knew," he continued, "you would do me good in some way, at some time;--I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you: their expression and smile did not"-- (again he stopped)--"did not" (he proceeded hastily) "strike delight to my very inmost heart so for nothing.


<<Back  Index  Next>>

D-Link book Top

TWC mobile books