第201页
《简·爱(英文版)》章节:第201页,宠文网网友提供全文无弹窗免费在线阅读。!
does not break- at once supple and stable, tractable and consistent- I
am ever tender and true.'
'Had you ever experience of such a character, sir? Did you ever
love such an one?'
'I love it now.'
'But before me: if I, indeed, in any respect come up to your
difficult standard?'
'I never met your likeness. Jane, you please me, and you master me-
you seem to submit, and I like the sense of pliancy you impart; and
while I am twining the soft, silken skein round my finger, it sends
a thrill up my arm to my heart. I am influenced- conquered; and the
influence is sweeter than I can express; and the conquest I undergo
has a witchery beyond any triumph I can win. Why do you smile, Jane?
What does that inexplicable, that uncanny turn of countenance mean?'
'I was thinking, sir (you will excuse the idea; it was
involuntary), I was thinking of Hercules and Samson with their
charmers-'
'You were, you little elfish-'
'Hush, sir! You don't talk very wisely just now; any more than
those gentlemen acted very wisely. However, had they been married,
they would no doubt by their severity as husbands have made up for
their softness as suitors; and so will you, I fear. I wonder how you
will answer me a year hence, should I ask a favour it does not suit
your convenience or pleasure to grant.'
'Ask me something now, Janet- the least thing: I desire to be
entreated-'
'Indeed I will sir; I have my petition all ready.'
'Speak! But if you look up and smile with that countenance, I shall
swear concession before I know to what, and that will make a fool of
me.'
'Not at all, sir; I ask only this: don't send for the jewels, and
don't crown me with roses: you might as well put a border of gold lace
round that plain pocket-handkerchief you have there.'
'I might as well "gild refined gold." I know it: your request is
granted then- for the time. I will remand the order I despatched to my
banker. But you have not yet asked for anything; you have prayed a
gift to be withdrawn: try again.'
'Well, then, sir, have the goodness to gratify my curiosity,
which is much piqued on one point.'
He looked disturbed. 'What? what?' he said hastily. 'Curiosity is a
dangerous petition: it is well I have not taken a vow to accord
every request-'
'But there can be no danger in complying with this, sir.'
'Utter it, Jane: but I wish that instead of a mere inquiry into,
perhaps, a secret, it was a wish for half my estate.'
'Now, King Ahasuerus! What do I want with half your estate? Do
you think I am a Jew-usurer, seeking good investment in land? I
would much rather have all your confidence. You will not exclude me
from your confidence if you admit me to your heart?'
'You are welcome to all my confidence that is worth having, Jane;
but for God's sake, don't desire a useless burden! Don't long for
poison- don't turn out a downright Eve on my hands!'