Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë Chapter 31 Page 4

In a few months, it is possible, the happiness of seeing progress, and a change for the better in my scholars may substitute gratification for disguSt. Meantime, let me ask myself one question — Which is better? — To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort — no struggle; — but to have sunk down in the silken snare; fallen asleep on the flowers covering it; wakened in a southern clime, amongst the luxuries of a pleasure villa: to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester’s mistress; delirious with his love half my time — for he would — oh, yes, he would have loved me well for a while.

He did love me — no one will ever love me so again. I shall never more know the sweet homage given to beauty, youth, and grace — for never to any