第216页
《简·爱(英文版)》章节:第216页,宠文网网友提供全文无弹窗免费在线阅读。!
perplex and pain me. I want an explanation.'
'Then, sir, listen. You were from home last night?'
'I was: I know that; and you hinted a while ago at something
which had happened in my absence:- nothing, probably, of
consequence; but, in short, it has disturbed you. Let me hear it. Mrs.
Fairfax has said something, perhaps? or you have overheard the
servants talk?- your sensitive self-respect has been wounded?'
'No, sir.' It struck twelve- I waited till the timepiece had
concluded its silver chime, and the clock its hoarse, vibrating
stroke, and then I proceeded.
'All day yesterday I was very busy, and very happy in my
ceaseless bustle; for I am not, as you seem to think, troubled by
any haunting fears about the new sphere, et cetera: I think it a
glorious thing to have the hope of living with you, because I love
you. No, sir, don't caress me now- let me talk undisturbed.
Yesterday I trusted well in Providence, and believed that events
were working together for your good and mine: it was a fine day, if
you recollect- the calmness of the air and sky forbade apprehensions
respecting your safety or comfort on your journey. I walked a little
while on the pavement after tea, thinking of you; and I beheld you
in imagination so near me, I scarcely missed your actual presence. I
thought of the life that lay before me- your life, sir- an existence
more expansive and stirring than my own: as much more so as the depths
of the sea to which the brook runs are than the shallows of its own
strait channel. I wondered why moralists call this world a dreary
wilderness: for me it blossomed like a rose. Just at sunset, the air
turned cold and the sky cloudy: I went in, Sophie called me upstairs
to look at my wedding-dress, which they had just brought; and under it
in the box I found your present- the veil which, in your princely
extravagance, you sent for from London: resolved, I suppose, since I
would not have jewels, to cheat me into accepting something as costly.
I smiled as I unfolded it, and devised how I would tease you about
your aristocratic tastes, and your efforts to masque your plebeian
bride in the attributes of a peeress. I thought how I would carry down
to you the square of unembroidered blond I had myself prepared as a
covering for my low-born head, and ask if that was not good enough for
a woman who could bring her husband neither fortune, beauty, nor
connections. I saw plainly how you would look; and heard your
impetuous republican answers, and your haughty disavowal of any
necessity on your part to augment your wealth, or elevate your
standing, by marrying either a purse or a coronet.'
'How well you read me, you witch!' interposed Mr. Rochester: 'but
what did you find in the veil besides its embroidery? Did you find
poison, or a dagger, that you look so mournful now?'
'No, no, sir; besides the delicacy and richness of the fabric, I
found nothing save Fairfax Rochester's pride; and that did not scare