"Who is that?"
"You know -- this St. John Rivers."
"He is not my husband, nor ever will be. He does not love me: I
do not love him. He loves (as he CAN love, and that is not as you
love) a beautiful young lady called Rosamond. He wanted to marry
me only because he thought I should make a suitable missionary's
wife, which she would not have done. He is good and great, but
severe; and, for me, cold as an iceberg. He is not like you, sir:
I am not happy at his side, nor near him, nor with him. He has no
indulgence for me -- no fondness. He sees nothing attractive in
me; not even youth -- only a few useful mental points. -- Then I
must leave you, sir, to go to him?"
|