"And your will shall decide your destiny," he said: "I offer you my hand, my heart, and a share of all my possessions."

     "You play a farce, which I merely laugh at."

     "I ask you to pass through life at my side--to be my second self, and best earthly companion."

     "For that fate you have already made your choice, and must abide by it."

     "Jane, be still a few moments: you are over-excited: I will be still too."

     A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk, and trembled through the boughs of the chestnut: it wandered away--away--to an indefinite distance--it died. The nightingale's song was then the only voice of the hour: in listening to it, I again wept. Mr. Rochester sat quiet, looking at me gently and seriously. Some time passed before he spoke; he at last said--

     "Come to my side, Jane, and let us explain and understand one another."

     "I will never again come to your side: I am torn away now, and cannot return."