“And what will you do; Ja; while I am bargaining for so many tons of flesh and such an assortment of black eyes?”
“I’ll be preparing myself to go out as a missionary to preach liberty to them that are enslaved—your harem inmates amongst the rest。 I’ll get admitted there; and I’ll stir up mutiny; and you; three…tailed bashaw as you are; sir; shall in a trice find yourself fettered amongst our hands: nor will I; for one; consent to cut your bonds till you have signed a charter; the most liberal that despot ever yet conferred。”
“I would consent to be at your mercy; Jane。”
“I would have no mercy; Mr。 Rochester; if you supplicated for it with an eye like that。 While you looked so; I should be certain that whatever charter you might grant under coercion; your first act; when released; would be to violate its conditions。”
“Why; Jane; what would you have? I fear you will pel me to go through a private marriage ceremony; besides that performed at the altar。 You will stipulate; I see; for peculiar terms—what will they be?”
“I only want an easy mind; sir; not crushed by crowded obligations。 Do you remember what you said of Céline Varens?—of the diamonds; the cashmeres you gave her? I will not be your English Céline Varens。 I shall continue to act as Adèle’s governess; by that I shall earn my board and lodging; and thirty pounds a year besides。 I’ll furnish my own wardrobe out of that money; and you shall give me nothing but—”
“Well; but what