Quotation from: Jane Eyre

Written by: Charlotte Bronte


I compared him with his guests. What was the gallant grace of the
Lynns, the languid elegance of Lord Ingram, -- even the military
distinction of Colonel Dent, contrasted with his look of native
pith and genuine power? I had no sympathy in their appearance,
their expression: yet I could imagine that most observers would
call them attractive, handsome, imposing; while they would pronounce
Mr. Rochester at once harsh-featured and melancholy-looking. I
saw them smile, laugh -- it was nothing; the light of the candles
had as much soul in it as their smile; the tinkle of the bell as
much significance as their laugh. I saw Mr. Rochester smile:- his
stern features softened; his eye grew both brilliant and gentle,
its ray both searching and sweet. He was talking, at the moment,
to Louisa and Amy Eshton. I wondered to see them receive with
calm that look which seemed to me so penetrating: I expected their
eyes to fall, their colour to rise under it; yet I was glad when I
found they were in no sense moved. "He is not to them what he is
to me," I thought: "he is not of their kind. I believe he is of
mine; -- I am sure he is -- I feel akin to him -- I understand the
language of his countenance and movements: though rank and wealth
sever us widely, I have something in my brain and heart, in my
blood and nerves, that assimilates me mentally to him. Did I say,
a few days since, that I had nothing to do with him but to receive
my salary at his hands? Did I forbid myself to think of him in any
other light than as a paymaster? Blasphemy against nature! Every
good, true, vigorous feeling I have gathers impulsively round him.
I know I must conceal my sentiments: I must smother hope; I must
remember that he cannot care much for me. For when I say that I
am of his kind, I do not mean that I have his force to influence,
and his spell to attract; I mean only that I have certain tastes
and feelings in common with him. I must, then, repeat continually
that we are for ever sundered:- and yet, while I breathe and think,
I must love him."

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