I do not think, sir, you have any right to command me, merely because you are older than I, or because you have seen more of the world than I have; y… - Charlotte Brontë

I thought I loved him when he went away; I love him now in another degree: he is more my own. [ . . . ] Oh! a thousand weepers, praying in agony on waiting shores, listened for that voice, but it was not uttered — not uttered till; when the hush came, some could not feel it: till, when the sun returned, his light was night to some!

"And your will shall decide your destiny," he said: "I offer you my hand, my heart, and a share of all my possessions."

You play a farce, which I merely laugh at."

I ask you to pass through life at my side — to be my second self, and best earthly companion."

For that fate you have already made your choice, and must abide by it."

Jane, be still a few moments: you are over-excited: I will be still too."

A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk, and trembled through the boughs of the chestnut: it wandered away — away — to an indefinite distance — it died. The nightingale's song was then the only voice of the hour: in listening to it, I again wept. Mr. Rochester sat quiet, looking at me gently and seriously. Some time passed before he spoke; he at last said -

Come to my side, Jane, and let us explain and understand one another."

I will never again come to your side: I am torn away now, and cannot return."

But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to marry."

I was silent: I thought he mocked me.

Come, Jane — come hither."

Your bride stands between us."

He rose, and with a stride reached me.

My bride is here," he said, again drawing me to him, "because my equal is here, and my likeness. Jane, will you marry me?"

Do you think that I am a machine? That I can bear it?
Do you think because I'm poor, plain, obsure, and little
that I have no heart? That I'm without soul?
I have as much heart as you and as much soul.
And if God had given me as much beauty and wealth,
I would make it as hard for you to leave me as it is now for me to leave you.