Page 264 (1/2)
"The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly I again
demand, what have you to say?"
"Sir--sir," interrupted the clergyet you are in a
sacred place" Then addressing Mason, he inquired gently, "Are you
aware, sir, whether or not this gentleed 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 clergyhbourhood, 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
hih! all shall bolt out at once, like the bullet from the
barrel Wood, close your book and take off your surplice; John
Green (to the clerk), leave the church: there will be no wedding
to-day" The man obeyed
Mr Rochester continued, hardily and recklessly: "Bigaamist; but fate has out-
manoeuvred me, or Providence has checked me,--perhaps the last I
am little better than a devil at this moment; and, as my pastor
there would tell ments of God,
even to the quenchless fire and deathless worm Gentlemen, my plan
is broken up:- what this lawyer and his client say is true: I have