Jane Eyre

"Sing!" said she, and again touching the piano, she commenced an

accompaniment in spirited style.

"Now is my time to slip away," thought I: but the tones that then

severed the air arrested me. Mrs. Fairfax had said Mr. Rochester

possessed a fine voice: he did--a mellow, powerful bass, into which

he threw his own feeling, his own force; finding a way through the

ear to the heart, and there waking sensation strangely. I waited

till the last deep and full vibration had expired--till the tide of

talk, checked an instant, had resumed its flow; I then quitted my

sheltered corner and made my exit by the side-door, which was

fortunately near. Thence a narrow passage led into the hall: in

crossing it, I perceived my sandal was loose; I stopped to tie it,

kneeling down for that purpose on the mat at the foot of the

staircase. I heard the dining-room door unclose; a gentleman came

out; rising hastily, I stood face to face with him: it was Mr.

Rochester.

"How do you do?" he asked.

"I am very well, sir."

"Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?"

I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but

I would not take that freedom. I answered "I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir."

"What have you been doing during my absence?"

"Nothing particular; teaching Adele as usual."

"And getting a good deal paler than you were--as I saw at first

sight. What is the matter?"

"Nothing at all, sir."

"Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?"

"Not she least."

"Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early."

"I am tired, sir."

He looked at me for a minute.

"And a little depressed," he said. "What about? Tell me."

"Nothing--nothing, sir. I am not depressed."

"But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words

would bring tears to your eyes--indeed, they are there now, shining

and swimming; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to

the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some

prating prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means.

Well, to-night I excuse you; but understand that so long as my

visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every

evening; it is my wish; don't neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie

for Adele. Good-night, my--" He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly

left me.