Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Chapter 26 Page 15

wife is still living?”

“Courage,” urged the lawyer, — “speak out.”

“She is now living at Thornfield Hall,” said Mason, in more articulate tones: “I saw her there last April. I am her brother.”

“At Thornfield Hall!” ejaculated the clergyman.

“Impossible! I am an old resident in this neighbourhood, sir, and I never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at Thornfield Hall.”

I saw a grim smile contort Mr. Rochester’s lips, and he muttered —

“No, by God! I took care that none should hear of it — or of her under that name.” He mused — for ten minutes he held counsel with himself: he formed his resolve, and announced it —