“I would have no mercy, Mr. Rochester, if you supplicated for it with an eye like that. While you looked so, I should be certain that whatever charter you might grant under coercion, your first act, when released, would be to violate its conditions.”

“Why, Jane, what would you have?

I fear you will compel me to go through a private marriage ceremony, besides that performed at the altar. You will stipulate, I see, for peculiar terms — what will they be?”

“I only want an easy mind, sir; not crushed by crowded obligations. Do you remember what you said of C�line Varens? — of the diamonds, the cashmeres you gave her? I will not be your English C�line Varens. I shall continue to act as Ad�le’s governess; by