Chapter 26
Sophiecameatseventodressme:shewasverylongindeedinaplishiask;solongthatMr.Rochester,grown,Isuppose,impatientofmydelay,sentuptoaskwhyIdidnote.Shewasjustfasteningmyveil(theplainsquareofblondafterall)tomyhairwithabrooch;IhurriedfromunderherhandsassoonasIcould.
“Stop!”shecriedinFrench.“Lookatyourselfinthemirror:youhavenottakenonepeep.”
SoIturhedoor:Isawarobedandveiledfigure,sounlikemyusualselfthatitseemedalmosttheimageofastranger.“Jane!”calledavoidIhasteneddown.IwasreceivedatthefootofthestairsbyMr.Rochester.
“Lingerer!”hesaid,“mybrainisohimpatiendyoutarrysolong!”
Hetookmeintothedining-room,surveyedmekeenlyallover,pronouncedme“fairasalily,andnotonlytheprideofhislife,butthedesireofhiseyes,”aellingmehewouldgivemebuttenmioeatsomebreakfast,herangthebell.Oneofhislatelyhiredservants,afootman,answeredit.
“IsJohingthecarriageready?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Istheluggagebroughtdown?”
“Theyarebringingitdown,sir.”
“Goyoutothechurch:seeifMr.Wood(theclergyman)andtheclerkarethere:returnandtellme.”
Thechurch,asthereaderknows,wasbutjustbeyoes;thefootmansoourned.
“Mr.Woodisiry,sir,puttingonhissurplice.”
“Andthecarriage?”
“Thehorsesareharnessing.”
“Weshallnotwantittogotochurch;butitmustbereadythemomeurn:alltheboxesandluggagearrangedandstrappedon,andtheaninhisseat.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Jane,areyouready?”
Irose.Therewerenogroomsmen,nobridesmaids,ivestowaitforormarshal:Mr.RochesterandI.Mrs.Fairfaxstoodinthehallaswepassed.Iwouldfainhavespokentoher,butmyhandwasheldbyagraspofiron:IwashurriedalongbyastrideIcouldhardlyfollow;andtolookatMr.Rochester’sfacewastofeelthatnotasedofdelaywouldbetoleratedforanypurpose.Iwonderwhatotherbridegroomeverlookedashedid—sobentuptoapurpose,sogrimlyresolute:orwho,undersuchsteadfastbrows,everrevealedsuchflamingandflashingeyes.
Iknownotwhetherthedaywasfairorfoul;indesdingthedrive,Igazedheronskyh:myheartwaswithmyeyes;andbothseemedmigratedintoMr.Rochester’sframe.Iwaoseetheinvisiblethingonwhich,aswewentalong,heappearedtofastenaglancefierdfell.Iwaofeelthethoughtswhoseforceheseemedbreastingaing.
Atthechurchyardwickethestopped:hediscoveredIwasquiteoutofbreath.“AmIcruelinmylove?”hesaid.“Delayaninstant:leanonme,Jane.”
AndnowIrecallthepictureofthegreyoldhouseofGodrisingcalmbeforeme,ofarookwheelingroueeple,ofaruddymskybeyond.Iremembersomething,too,ofthegreengrave-mounds;andIhavenotteher,twofiguresersstrayingamongstthelowhillodreadingthemementoesgravenonthefewmossyhead-stones.Inoticedthem,because,astheysawus,theypassedroundtothebackofthechurdIdoubtednottheyweregoierbytheside-aisledoorandwitheceremony.ByMr.Rochestertheywerenotobserved;hewasearlylookingatmyfawhichthebloodhad,Idaresay,momentarilyfled:forIfeltmyforeheaddewy,andmycheeksandlipscold.WhenIrallied,whichIsoondid,hewalkedgentlywithmeupthepathtotheporch.
Weehequietandhumbletemple;thepriestwaitedinhiswhitesurpliceatthelowlyaltar,theclerkbesidehim.Allwasstill:twoshadowsonlymovedieer.Myjecturehadbeencorrect:thestrangershadslippedinbeforeus,andtheynowstoodbythevaultoftheRochesters,theirbackstowardsus,viewingthroughtherailstheoldtime-stainedmarbletomb,whereakneelingangelguardedtheremainsofDamerdeRochester,slainatMarstonMooriimeofthecivilwars,andofElizabeth,hiswife.
Ourplacewastakenattheunionrails.Hearingacautiousstepbehindme,Iglanyshoulder:ohestrangers—agentleman,evidently—wasadvangupthecel.Theservicebegan.Theexplanationoftheiofmatrimonywasgohrough;aheclergymaepfurtherforward,and,bendingslightlytowardsMr.Rochester,wenton.
“Irequireandchargeyouboth(asyewillahedreadfuldayofjudgment,whenthesecretsofallheartsshallbedisclosed),thatifeitherofyouknowanyimpedimentwhyyemaynotlawfullybejoiogetherinmatrimony,yedonowfessit;forbeyewellassuredthatsomanyasarecoupledtogetherotherwisethanGod’sWorddothallow,arenotjoiogetherbyGod,heristheirmatrimonylawful.”
Hepaused,astheis.Whenisthepauseafterthatsentenceeverbrokenbyreply?Not,perhaps,onahundredyears.Andtheclergyman,whohadnotliftedhiseyesfromhisbook,andhadheldhisbreathbutforamoment,roceeding:hishandwasalreadystretchedtowardsMr.Rochester,ashislipsunclosedtoask,“Wiltthouhavethiswomanforthyweddedwife?”—whenadistindnearvoicesaid—
“Themarriageotgoon:Ideclaretheexistenceofanimpediment.”
Theclergymanlookedupatthespeakerandstoodmute;theclerkdidthesame;Mr.Rochestermovedslightly,asifahquakehadrolledunderhisfeet:takingafirmerfooting,andnhisheadoreyes,hesaid,“Proceed.”
Profoundsilencefellwhenhehadutteredthatword,withdeepbutlowintonatiolyMr.Woodsaid—
“Iotproceedwithoutsomeiigationintowhathasbeeed,andevidestruthorfalsehood.”
“Theceremonyisquitebrokenoff,”subjoihevoicebehindus.“Iaminaditiontoprovemyallegation:aninsuperableimpedimenttothismarriageexists.”
Mr.Rochesterheard,butheedednot:hestoodstubbornandrigid,makingnomovementbuttopossesshimselfofmyhand.Whatahotandstronggrasphehad!andhowlikequarriedmarblewashispale,firm,massivefrontatthismoment!Howhiseyeshoillwatchful,awildbeh!
Mr.Woodseemedataloss.“Whatisthenatureoftheimpediment?”heasked.“Perhapsitmaybegotover—explainedaway?”
“Hardly,”wastheanswer.“Ihavecalleditinsuperable,andIspeakadvisedly.”
Thespeakercameforwardandleaherails.Hetiteringeachworddistinctly,calmly,steadily,butnotloudly—
“Itsimplysistsienceofapreviousmarriage.Mr.Rochesterhasawifenowliving.”
Mynervesvibratedtothoselow-spokenwordsastheyhadnevervibratedtothunder—mybloodfelttheirsubtleviolehadneverfeltfrostorfire;butIwascollected,andinnodangerofswooning.IlookedatMr.Rochester:Imadehimlookatme.Hiswholefacewascolourlessrock:hiseyewasbothsparkandflint.Hedisavowednothing:heseemedasifhewoulddefyallthings.Withoutspeaking,withoutsmiling,withoutseemingtniseinmeahumanbeing,heonlytwinedmywaistwithhisarmandrivetedmetohisside.
“Whoareyou?”heaskedoftheintruder.
“MynameisBriggs,asolicitorof—Street,London.”
“Andyouwouldthrustonmeawife?”
“Iwouldremindyouofyourlady’sexistence,sir,whichthelawreises,ifyoudonot.”
“Favourmewithanatofher—withhername,herparentage,herplaceofabode.”
“Certainly.”Mr.Briggscalmlytookapaperfromhispocket,andreadoutinasortofofficial,nasalvoice:—
“‘IaffirmandprovethatohofOctoberA.D.—(adateoffifteenyearsback),EdwardFairfaxRochester,ofThornfieldHall,inthetyof—,andofFerndeanManor,in—shire,England,wasmarriedtomysister,BerthaAntoiaMason,daughterofJonasMason,mert,andofAntoiahiswife,aCreole,at—church,SpanishTown,Jamaica.Therecordofthemarriagewillbefoundintheregisterofthatchurch—acopyofitisnowinmypossession.Signed,RichardMason.’”
“That—ifagenuinedot—mayproveIhavebeenmarried,butitdoesnotprovethatthewomaiohereinasmywifeisstillliving.”
“Shewaslivingthreemonthsago,”returhelawyer.
“Howdoyouknow?”
“Ihaveawitothefact,whosetestimonyevenyou,sir,willscarcelytrovert.”
“Producehim—otohell.”
“Iwillproducehimfirst—heiso.Mr.Mason,havethegoodostepforward.”
Mr.Rochester,onhearingthehisteeth;heexperieoo,asortvulsivequiver;ohimasIwas,Ifeltthespasmodientoffuryordespairrunthroughhisframe.Thesedstranger,whohadhithertolihebackground,nowdrealefacelookedoverthesolicitor’sshoulder—yes,itwasMasonhimself.Mr.Rochesterturnedandglaredathim.Hiseye,asIhaveoftensaid,wasablackeye:ithadnowatawny,nay,abloodylightinitsgloom;andhisfaceflushed—olivecheekandhuelessforeheadreceivedaglowasfromspreading,asdi-fire:airred,liftedhisstrongarm—hecouldhavestruckMason,dashedhimonthechurch-floor,shockedbyruthlessblowthebreathfromhisbody—butMasonshrankaway,andcriedfaintly,“GoodGod!”ptfellr.Rochester—hispassiondiedasifablighthadshrivelleditup:heonlyasked—“Whathaveyoutosay?”
AninaudiblereplyescapedMason’swhitelips.
“Thedevilisinitifyouotanswerdistinctly.Iagaindemand,whathaveyoutosay?”
“Sir—sir,”interruptedtheclergyman,“donetyouareinasacredplace.”ThenaddressingMason,heinquiredgently,“Areyouaware,sir,whetherornotthisgentleman’swifeisstillliving?”
“Ce,”urgedthelawyer,—“speakout.”
“SheisnowlivingatThornfieldHall,”saidMason,iiculatetones:“IsawhertherelastApril.Iamherbrother.”
“AtThornfieldHall!”ejaculatedtheclergyman.“Impossible!Iamanoldresidentinthisneighbourhood,sir,andIneverheardofaMrs.RochesteratThornfieldHall.”
Isawagrimsmiler.Rochester’slips,aered—
“No,byGod!Itookcarethatnoneshouldhearofit—orofheruhatname.”Hemused—fortenminutesheheldselwithhimself:heformedhisresolve,andannou—
“Enough!allshallboltoutatonce,likethebulletfromthebarrel.Wood,closeyourbookandtakeoffyoursurplice;Johotheclerk),leavethechurch:therewillbenoweddingto-day.”Themanobeyed.
Mr.Rochestertinued,hardilyandrecklessly:“Bigamyisanuglyword!—Imeant,however,tobeabigamist;butfatehasout-manoeuvredme,orProvidencehascheckedme,—perhapsthelast.Iamlittlebetterthanadevilatthismoment;and,asmypastortherewouldtellme,deservenodoubtthesterjudgmentsofGod,eventothequenchlessfireahlesswentlemen,myplanisbrokenup:-whatthislawyerandhistsayistrue:Ihavebeenmarried,andthewomantowhomIwasmarriedlives!YousayyouneverheardofaMrs.Rochesteratthehouseupyonder,Wood;butIdaresayyouhavemanyatimeinedyoureartogossipaboutthemysteriouslunatickeptthereudward.Somehavewhisperedtoyouthatsheismybastardhalf-sister:some,mycast-offmistress.Inowinformyouthatsheismywife,whomImarriedfifteenyearsago,—BerthaMasonbyname;sisterofthisresolutepersonage,whoisnow,withhisquiveringlimbsandwhitecheeks,showingyouwhatastoutheartmenmaybear.Cheerup,Dieverfearme!—I’dalmostassoonstrikeawomanasyou.BerthaMasonismad;andsheadfamily;idiotsandmaniacsthroughthreegeioher,theCreole,wasbothamadwomanandadrunkard!—asIfoundoutafterIhadwedthedaughter:fortheyweresilentonfamilysecretsbefore.Bertha,likeadutifulchild,copiedherparentinbothpoints.Ihadacharmingpartner—pure,wise,modest:youfancyIymahroughrichses!Oh!myexperiencehasbeenheavenly,ifyouonlyk!ButIoweyounofurtherexplanatis,Wood,Mason,IinviteyoualltoeuptothehouseandvisitMrs.Poole’spatient,andmywife!YoushallseewhatsortofabeingIwascheatedintoespousing,andjudgewhetherornotIhadarighttobreakthepadseeksympathywithsomethingatleasthuman.Thisgirl,”hetinued,lookingatme,“knewnomorethanyou,Wood,ofthedisgusti:shethoughtallwasfairandlegalandneverdreamtshewasgoingtobeentrappedintoafeignedunionwithadefraudedwretch,alreadyboundtoabad,mad,andembrutedpartner!eallofyou—follow!”
Stillholdi,heleftthechurch:thethreegentlemeer.Atthefrontdoorofthehallwefoundthecarriage.
“Takeitbacktothecoach-house,John,”saidMr.Rochestercoolly;“itwilledto-day.”
Atourentrance,Mrs.Fairfax,Adèle,Sophie,Leah,advaomeetaus.
“Tht-about—everysoul!”criedthemaster;“awaywithyratulations!Whowantsthem?NotI!—theyarefifteeoolate!”
Hepassedonandasdedthestairs,stillholdingmyhand,andstillbeilementofollowhim,whichtheydid.Wemouhefirststaircase,passedupthegallery,proceededtothethirdstorey:thelow,blackdoor,openedbyMr.Rochester’smaster-key,admittedustothetapestriedroom,withitsgreatbedanditspictorialet.
“Youknowthisplace,Mason,”saiduide;“shebitandstabbedyouhere.”
Heliftedthehangingsfromthewall,unctheseddoor:this,too,heopened.Inaroomwithoutawindow,thereburntafireguardedbyahighandstrongfender,andalampsuspendedfromtheceilingbya.GracePoolebehefire,apparentlycookingsomethinginasau.Inthedeepshade,atthefartherendoftheroom,afigureranbackwardsandforwards.Whatitwas,whetherbeastorhumanbeing,onecouldnot,atfirstsight,tell:itgrovelled,seemingly,onallfours;itsnatchedandgrowledlikesomestrangewildanimal:butitwascoveredwithclothing,andaquantityrizzledhair,wildasamane,hiditsheadandface.
“Good-morrow,Mrs.Poole!”saidMr.Rochester.“Howareyou?andhowisyourchargeto-day?”
“We’retolerable,sir,Ithankyou,”repliedGrace,liftingtheboilingmesscarefullyontothehob:“rathersnappish,butneous.”
Afiercecryseemedtogivethelietoherfavourablereport:theclothedhyenaroseup,andstoodtallonitshi.
“Ah!sir,sheseesyou!”exclaimedGrace:“you’dbetternotstay.”
“Onlyafewmoments,Graustallowmeafewmoments.”
“Takecarethen,sir!—fod’ssake,takecare!”
Themaniacbellowed:shepartedhershaggylocksfromhervisage,andgazedwildlyathervisitors.Ireisedwellthatpurpleface,—thosebloatedfeatures.Mrs.Pooleadvanced.
“Keepoutoftheway,”saidMr.Rochester,thrustingheraside:“shehasnoknifenow,Isuppose,andI’monmyguard.”
“Oneneverknowswhatshehas,sir:sheissoing:itisnotinmortaldiscretiontofathomhercraft.”
“Wehadbetterleaveher,”whisperedMason.
“Gotothedevil!”washisbrother-in-law’sreendation.
“‘Ware!”criedGrace.Thethreegentlemereatedsimultaneously.Mr.Rochesterflungmebehindhim:thelunaticsprangandgrappledhisthroatviciously,andlaidherteethtohischeek:theystruggled.Shewasabigwoman,instaturealmostequallingherhusband,andcorpulentbesides:sheshowedvirileforthetest—morethanonceshealmostthrottledhim,athleticashewas.Hecouldhavesettledherwithawell-plantedblow;buthewouldnotstrike:hewouldonlywrestle.Atlasthemasteredherarms;GracePoolegavehimacord,andhepihembehindher:withmorerope,whichwasathand,hebouoachair.Theoperationerformedamidstthefiercestyellsavulsiveplunges.Mr.Rochesterthenturhespectators:helookedatthemwithasmilebothacridanddesolate.
“Thatismywife,”saidhe.“SuchisthesolejugalembraceIamevertoknow—sucharetheendearmentswhicharetosolacemyleisurehours!AndTHISiswhatIwishedtohave”(layinghishandonmyshoulder):“thisyounggirl,whostandssograveandquietatthemouthofhell,lookingcollectedlyatthegambolsofademon,Iwantedherjustasageafterthatfierceragout.WoodandBriggs,lookatthedifferenparethesecleareyeswiththeredballsyohisfacewiththatmask—thisformwiththatbulk;thenjudgeme,priestofthegospelandmanofthelaw,andrememberwithwhatjudgmentyejudgeyeshallbejudged!Offwithyounow.Imustshutupmyprize.”
Weallwithdrew.Mr.Rochesterstayedamomentbehindus,togivesomefurtherracePoole.Thesolicitoraddressedmeashedesdedthestair.
“You,madam,”saidhe,“areclearedfromallblame:yourunclewillbegladtohearit—if,indeed,heshouldbestillliving—whenMr.MasournstoMadeira.”
“Myuncle!Whatofhim?Doyouknowhim?”
“Mr.Masondoes.Mr.EyrehasbeentheFunchalcorrespoofhishouseforsomeyears.WhenyourunclereceivedyourletterintimatiemplatedunioweenyourselfandMr.Rochester,Mr.Mason,whowasstayingatMadeiratorecruithishealth,onhiswaybaaica,happeobewithhim.Mr.Eyrementioheintelligence;forhekhatmytherewasacquaihagentlemanofthenameofRochester.Mr.Mason,astonishedanddistressedasyoumaysuppose,revealedtherealstateofmatters.Youruncle,Iamsorrytosay,isnowonasickbed;fromwhich,sideriureofhisdisease—dee—aageithasreached,itisunlikelyhewilleverrise.HecouldnotthenhastentoEnglandhimself,toextricateyoufromthesowhichyouhadfallen,butheimploredMr.Masontolosenotimeintakiopreventthefalsemarriage.Hereferredhimtomeforassistance.IusedalldespatdamthankfulIwasnottoolate:asyou,doubtless,mustbealso.WereInotmorallycertainthatyourunclewillbedeadereyoureachMadeira,IwouldadviseyoutoapanyMr.Masonback;butasitis,IthinkyouhadbetterremaininEnglandtillyouhearfurther,eitherfromorofMr.Eyre.Haveweanythiostayfor?”heinquiredofMr.Mason.
“No,usbegone,”wastheanxiousreply;andwithoutwaitingtotakeleaveofMr.Rochester,theymadetheirexitatthehalldoor.Theclergymanstayedtoexgeafewsentences,eitherofadmonitionorreproof,withhishaughtyparishiohisdutydooodeparted.
IheardhimgoasIstoodatthehalf-opendoorofmyownroom,towhichIhadnowwithdrawn.Thehousecleared,Ishutmyselfin,fasteheboltthatnonemightintrude,andproceeded—nottoweep,nottomourn,Iwasyettoocalmforthat,but—meicallytotakeofftheweddingdress,andreplaceitbythestuffgownIhadworerday,asIthought,forthelasttime.Ithensatdowweakandtired.Ileanedmyarmsonatable,andmyheaddroppedonthem.AndnowIthought:tillnowIhadonlyheard,seen,moved—followedupanddownwhereIwasleded—watchedeventrusho,disclosureopenbeyonddisclosure:butnow,Ithought.
Themhadbeenaquietmenough—allexceptthebriefsewiththelunatic:thetransainthechurchhadnotbeennoisy;therewasnoexplosionofpassion,noloudaltercation,nodispute,nodefianceorchalleears,nosobs:afewwordshadbeenspoken,acalmlypronouncedobjetothemarriagemade;somestern,shortquestionsputbyMr.Rochester;answers,explanationsgiven,evidenceadduced;anopenadmissionofthetruthhadbeenutteredbymymaster;thenthelivingproofhadbeeheintrudersweregone,andallwasover.
Iwasinmyownroomasusual—justmyself,withoutobviousge:nothinghadsmittenme,orscathedme,ormaimedme.AwherewastheJaneEyreofyesterday?—wherewasherlife?—wherewereherprospects?
JaneEyre,whohadbeena,expetwoman—almostabride,wasacold,solitarygirlagain:herlifeale;herprospectsweredesolate.AChristmasfrosthadeatmidsummer;awhiteDecemberstormhadwhirledoverJune;iceglazedtheripeapples,driftscrushedtheblowingroses;onhayfieldandfieldlayafrozenshroud:laneswhichlastnightblushedfullofflowers,to-daywerepathlesswithuntroddensnow;andthewoods,whichtwelvehourssincewavedleafyandflagrantasgrovesbetweeropiowspread,waste,wild,andwhiteaspine-forestsinwintryNorway.Myhopeswerealldead—struckwithasubtledoom,suchas,inonenight,fellonallthefirst-borninthela.Ilookedonmycherishedwishes,yesterdaysobloomingandglowing;theylaystark,chill,lividcorpsesthatcouldneverrevive.Ilookedatmylove:thatfeelingwhichwasmymaster’s—whichhehadcreated;itshiveredi,likeasufferingchildinacoldcradle;siessandanguishhadseizedit;itcouldnotseekMr.Rochester’sarms—itcouldnotderivewarmthfromhisbreast.Oh,nevermorecoulditturntohim;forfaithwasblighted—fideroyed!Mr.Rochesterwasnottomewhathehadbeen;forhewasnotwhatIhadthoughthim.Iwouldnotascribevi;Iwouldnotsayhehadbetrayedme;buttheattributeofstairuthwasgonefromhisidea,andfromhispresenceImustgo:THATIperceivedwell.When—how—whither,Icoulddis;buthehimself,Idoubtednot,wouldhurrymefromThornfield.Realaffe,itseemed,hecouldnothaveforme;ithadbeenonlyfitfulpassion:thatwasbalked;hewouldwantmenomore.Ishouldfeareventocrosshispathnow:myviewmustbehatefultohim.Oh,howblindhadbeenmyeyes!Howweakmyduct!
Myeyeswerecoveredandclosed:eddyingdarknessseemedtoswimroundme,andrefleeinasbladfusedaflow.Self-abandoned,relaxed,andeffortless,Iseemedtohavelaidmedowninthedried-upbedofagreatriver;Iheardafloodloosenediemountains,ahetorrente:toriseIhadnowill,tofleeIhadnth.Ilayfaint,longingtobedead.Oneideaonlystillthrobbedlife-likewithinme—aremembranceofGod:itbegotanunutteredprayer:thesewordswentwanderingupanddowninmyraylessmind,assomethingthatshouldbewhispered,butnywasfoundtoexpressthem—
“Benotfarfromme,fortroubleishereisohelp.”
Itwasnear:andasIhadliftediontoHeaventoavertit—asIhadherjoinedmyhands,myknees,normovedmylips—itcame:infullheavyswiorrentpouredoverme.Thewholesciousnessofmylifelorn,mylovelost,myhopequenched,myfaithdeath-struck,swayedfullandmightyabovemeinonesullenmass.Thatbitterhourotbedescribed:intruth,“thewaterscameintomysoul;Isankindeepmire:Ifeltnostanding;Icameintodeepwaters;thefloodsoverflowedme.”松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
“Stop!”shecriedinFrench.“Lookatyourselfinthemirror:youhavenottakenonepeep.”
SoIturhedoor:Isawarobedandveiledfigure,sounlikemyusualselfthatitseemedalmosttheimageofastranger.“Jane!”calledavoidIhasteneddown.IwasreceivedatthefootofthestairsbyMr.Rochester.
“Lingerer!”hesaid,“mybrainisohimpatiendyoutarrysolong!”
Hetookmeintothedining-room,surveyedmekeenlyallover,pronouncedme“fairasalily,andnotonlytheprideofhislife,butthedesireofhiseyes,”aellingmehewouldgivemebuttenmioeatsomebreakfast,herangthebell.Oneofhislatelyhiredservants,afootman,answeredit.
“IsJohingthecarriageready?”
“Yes,sir.”
“Istheluggagebroughtdown?”
“Theyarebringingitdown,sir.”
“Goyoutothechurch:seeifMr.Wood(theclergyman)andtheclerkarethere:returnandtellme.”
Thechurch,asthereaderknows,wasbutjustbeyoes;thefootmansoourned.
“Mr.Woodisiry,sir,puttingonhissurplice.”
“Andthecarriage?”
“Thehorsesareharnessing.”
“Weshallnotwantittogotochurch;butitmustbereadythemomeurn:alltheboxesandluggagearrangedandstrappedon,andtheaninhisseat.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Jane,areyouready?”
Irose.Therewerenogroomsmen,nobridesmaids,ivestowaitforormarshal:Mr.RochesterandI.Mrs.Fairfaxstoodinthehallaswepassed.Iwouldfainhavespokentoher,butmyhandwasheldbyagraspofiron:IwashurriedalongbyastrideIcouldhardlyfollow;andtolookatMr.Rochester’sfacewastofeelthatnotasedofdelaywouldbetoleratedforanypurpose.Iwonderwhatotherbridegroomeverlookedashedid—sobentuptoapurpose,sogrimlyresolute:orwho,undersuchsteadfastbrows,everrevealedsuchflamingandflashingeyes.
Iknownotwhetherthedaywasfairorfoul;indesdingthedrive,Igazedheronskyh:myheartwaswithmyeyes;andbothseemedmigratedintoMr.Rochester’sframe.Iwaoseetheinvisiblethingonwhich,aswewentalong,heappearedtofastenaglancefierdfell.Iwaofeelthethoughtswhoseforceheseemedbreastingaing.
Atthechurchyardwickethestopped:hediscoveredIwasquiteoutofbreath.“AmIcruelinmylove?”hesaid.“Delayaninstant:leanonme,Jane.”
AndnowIrecallthepictureofthegreyoldhouseofGodrisingcalmbeforeme,ofarookwheelingroueeple,ofaruddymskybeyond.Iremembersomething,too,ofthegreengrave-mounds;andIhavenotteher,twofiguresersstrayingamongstthelowhillodreadingthemementoesgravenonthefewmossyhead-stones.Inoticedthem,because,astheysawus,theypassedroundtothebackofthechurdIdoubtednottheyweregoierbytheside-aisledoorandwitheceremony.ByMr.Rochestertheywerenotobserved;hewasearlylookingatmyfawhichthebloodhad,Idaresay,momentarilyfled:forIfeltmyforeheaddewy,andmycheeksandlipscold.WhenIrallied,whichIsoondid,hewalkedgentlywithmeupthepathtotheporch.
Weehequietandhumbletemple;thepriestwaitedinhiswhitesurpliceatthelowlyaltar,theclerkbesidehim.Allwasstill:twoshadowsonlymovedieer.Myjecturehadbeencorrect:thestrangershadslippedinbeforeus,andtheynowstoodbythevaultoftheRochesters,theirbackstowardsus,viewingthroughtherailstheoldtime-stainedmarbletomb,whereakneelingangelguardedtheremainsofDamerdeRochester,slainatMarstonMooriimeofthecivilwars,andofElizabeth,hiswife.
Ourplacewastakenattheunionrails.Hearingacautiousstepbehindme,Iglanyshoulder:ohestrangers—agentleman,evidently—wasadvangupthecel.Theservicebegan.Theexplanationoftheiofmatrimonywasgohrough;aheclergymaepfurtherforward,and,bendingslightlytowardsMr.Rochester,wenton.
“Irequireandchargeyouboth(asyewillahedreadfuldayofjudgment,whenthesecretsofallheartsshallbedisclosed),thatifeitherofyouknowanyimpedimentwhyyemaynotlawfullybejoiogetherinmatrimony,yedonowfessit;forbeyewellassuredthatsomanyasarecoupledtogetherotherwisethanGod’sWorddothallow,arenotjoiogetherbyGod,heristheirmatrimonylawful.”
Hepaused,astheis.Whenisthepauseafterthatsentenceeverbrokenbyreply?Not,perhaps,onahundredyears.Andtheclergyman,whohadnotliftedhiseyesfromhisbook,andhadheldhisbreathbutforamoment,roceeding:hishandwasalreadystretchedtowardsMr.Rochester,ashislipsunclosedtoask,“Wiltthouhavethiswomanforthyweddedwife?”—whenadistindnearvoicesaid—
“Themarriageotgoon:Ideclaretheexistenceofanimpediment.”
Theclergymanlookedupatthespeakerandstoodmute;theclerkdidthesame;Mr.Rochestermovedslightly,asifahquakehadrolledunderhisfeet:takingafirmerfooting,andnhisheadoreyes,hesaid,“Proceed.”
Profoundsilencefellwhenhehadutteredthatword,withdeepbutlowintonatiolyMr.Woodsaid—
“Iotproceedwithoutsomeiigationintowhathasbeeed,andevidestruthorfalsehood.”
“Theceremonyisquitebrokenoff,”subjoihevoicebehindus.“Iaminaditiontoprovemyallegation:aninsuperableimpedimenttothismarriageexists.”
Mr.Rochesterheard,butheedednot:hestoodstubbornandrigid,makingnomovementbuttopossesshimselfofmyhand.Whatahotandstronggrasphehad!andhowlikequarriedmarblewashispale,firm,massivefrontatthismoment!Howhiseyeshoillwatchful,awildbeh!
Mr.Woodseemedataloss.“Whatisthenatureoftheimpediment?”heasked.“Perhapsitmaybegotover—explainedaway?”
“Hardly,”wastheanswer.“Ihavecalleditinsuperable,andIspeakadvisedly.”
Thespeakercameforwardandleaherails.Hetiteringeachworddistinctly,calmly,steadily,butnotloudly—
“Itsimplysistsienceofapreviousmarriage.Mr.Rochesterhasawifenowliving.”
Mynervesvibratedtothoselow-spokenwordsastheyhadnevervibratedtothunder—mybloodfelttheirsubtleviolehadneverfeltfrostorfire;butIwascollected,andinnodangerofswooning.IlookedatMr.Rochester:Imadehimlookatme.Hiswholefacewascolourlessrock:hiseyewasbothsparkandflint.Hedisavowednothing:heseemedasifhewoulddefyallthings.Withoutspeaking,withoutsmiling,withoutseemingtniseinmeahumanbeing,heonlytwinedmywaistwithhisarmandrivetedmetohisside.
“Whoareyou?”heaskedoftheintruder.
“MynameisBriggs,asolicitorof—Street,London.”
“Andyouwouldthrustonmeawife?”
“Iwouldremindyouofyourlady’sexistence,sir,whichthelawreises,ifyoudonot.”
“Favourmewithanatofher—withhername,herparentage,herplaceofabode.”
“Certainly.”Mr.Briggscalmlytookapaperfromhispocket,andreadoutinasortofofficial,nasalvoice:—
“‘IaffirmandprovethatohofOctoberA.D.—(adateoffifteenyearsback),EdwardFairfaxRochester,ofThornfieldHall,inthetyof—,andofFerndeanManor,in—shire,England,wasmarriedtomysister,BerthaAntoiaMason,daughterofJonasMason,mert,andofAntoiahiswife,aCreole,at—church,SpanishTown,Jamaica.Therecordofthemarriagewillbefoundintheregisterofthatchurch—acopyofitisnowinmypossession.Signed,RichardMason.’”
“That—ifagenuinedot—mayproveIhavebeenmarried,butitdoesnotprovethatthewomaiohereinasmywifeisstillliving.”
“Shewaslivingthreemonthsago,”returhelawyer.
“Howdoyouknow?”
“Ihaveawitothefact,whosetestimonyevenyou,sir,willscarcelytrovert.”
“Producehim—otohell.”
“Iwillproducehimfirst—heiso.Mr.Mason,havethegoodostepforward.”
Mr.Rochester,onhearingthehisteeth;heexperieoo,asortvulsivequiver;ohimasIwas,Ifeltthespasmodientoffuryordespairrunthroughhisframe.Thesedstranger,whohadhithertolihebackground,nowdrealefacelookedoverthesolicitor’sshoulder—yes,itwasMasonhimself.Mr.Rochesterturnedandglaredathim.Hiseye,asIhaveoftensaid,wasablackeye:ithadnowatawny,nay,abloodylightinitsgloom;andhisfaceflushed—olivecheekandhuelessforeheadreceivedaglowasfromspreading,asdi-fire:airred,liftedhisstrongarm—hecouldhavestruckMason,dashedhimonthechurch-floor,shockedbyruthlessblowthebreathfromhisbody—butMasonshrankaway,andcriedfaintly,“GoodGod!”ptfellr.Rochester—hispassiondiedasifablighthadshrivelleditup:heonlyasked—“Whathaveyoutosay?”
AninaudiblereplyescapedMason’swhitelips.
“Thedevilisinitifyouotanswerdistinctly.Iagaindemand,whathaveyoutosay?”
“Sir—sir,”interruptedtheclergyman,“donetyouareinasacredplace.”ThenaddressingMason,heinquiredgently,“Areyouaware,sir,whetherornotthisgentleman’swifeisstillliving?”
“Ce,”urgedthelawyer,—“speakout.”
“SheisnowlivingatThornfieldHall,”saidMason,iiculatetones:“IsawhertherelastApril.Iamherbrother.”
“AtThornfieldHall!”ejaculatedtheclergyman.“Impossible!Iamanoldresidentinthisneighbourhood,sir,andIneverheardofaMrs.RochesteratThornfieldHall.”
Isawagrimsmiler.Rochester’slips,aered—
“No,byGod!Itookcarethatnoneshouldhearofit—orofheruhatname.”Hemused—fortenminutesheheldselwithhimself:heformedhisresolve,andannou—
“Enough!allshallboltoutatonce,likethebulletfromthebarrel.Wood,closeyourbookandtakeoffyoursurplice;Johotheclerk),leavethechurch:therewillbenoweddingto-day.”Themanobeyed.
Mr.Rochestertinued,hardilyandrecklessly:“Bigamyisanuglyword!—Imeant,however,tobeabigamist;butfatehasout-manoeuvredme,orProvidencehascheckedme,—perhapsthelast.Iamlittlebetterthanadevilatthismoment;and,asmypastortherewouldtellme,deservenodoubtthesterjudgmentsofGod,eventothequenchlessfireahlesswentlemen,myplanisbrokenup:-whatthislawyerandhistsayistrue:Ihavebeenmarried,andthewomantowhomIwasmarriedlives!YousayyouneverheardofaMrs.Rochesteratthehouseupyonder,Wood;butIdaresayyouhavemanyatimeinedyoureartogossipaboutthemysteriouslunatickeptthereudward.Somehavewhisperedtoyouthatsheismybastardhalf-sister:some,mycast-offmistress.Inowinformyouthatsheismywife,whomImarriedfifteenyearsago,—BerthaMasonbyname;sisterofthisresolutepersonage,whoisnow,withhisquiveringlimbsandwhitecheeks,showingyouwhatastoutheartmenmaybear.Cheerup,Dieverfearme!—I’dalmostassoonstrikeawomanasyou.BerthaMasonismad;andsheadfamily;idiotsandmaniacsthroughthreegeioher,theCreole,wasbothamadwomanandadrunkard!—asIfoundoutafterIhadwedthedaughter:fortheyweresilentonfamilysecretsbefore.Bertha,likeadutifulchild,copiedherparentinbothpoints.Ihadacharmingpartner—pure,wise,modest:youfancyIymahroughrichses!Oh!myexperiencehasbeenheavenly,ifyouonlyk!ButIoweyounofurtherexplanatis,Wood,Mason,IinviteyoualltoeuptothehouseandvisitMrs.Poole’spatient,andmywife!YoushallseewhatsortofabeingIwascheatedintoespousing,andjudgewhetherornotIhadarighttobreakthepadseeksympathywithsomethingatleasthuman.Thisgirl,”hetinued,lookingatme,“knewnomorethanyou,Wood,ofthedisgusti:shethoughtallwasfairandlegalandneverdreamtshewasgoingtobeentrappedintoafeignedunionwithadefraudedwretch,alreadyboundtoabad,mad,andembrutedpartner!eallofyou—follow!”
Stillholdi,heleftthechurch:thethreegentlemeer.Atthefrontdoorofthehallwefoundthecarriage.
“Takeitbacktothecoach-house,John,”saidMr.Rochestercoolly;“itwilledto-day.”
Atourentrance,Mrs.Fairfax,Adèle,Sophie,Leah,advaomeetaus.
“Tht-about—everysoul!”criedthemaster;“awaywithyratulations!Whowantsthem?NotI!—theyarefifteeoolate!”
Hepassedonandasdedthestairs,stillholdingmyhand,andstillbeilementofollowhim,whichtheydid.Wemouhefirststaircase,passedupthegallery,proceededtothethirdstorey:thelow,blackdoor,openedbyMr.Rochester’smaster-key,admittedustothetapestriedroom,withitsgreatbedanditspictorialet.
“Youknowthisplace,Mason,”saiduide;“shebitandstabbedyouhere.”
Heliftedthehangingsfromthewall,unctheseddoor:this,too,heopened.Inaroomwithoutawindow,thereburntafireguardedbyahighandstrongfender,andalampsuspendedfromtheceilingbya.GracePoolebehefire,apparentlycookingsomethinginasau.Inthedeepshade,atthefartherendoftheroom,afigureranbackwardsandforwards.Whatitwas,whetherbeastorhumanbeing,onecouldnot,atfirstsight,tell:itgrovelled,seemingly,onallfours;itsnatchedandgrowledlikesomestrangewildanimal:butitwascoveredwithclothing,andaquantityrizzledhair,wildasamane,hiditsheadandface.
“Good-morrow,Mrs.Poole!”saidMr.Rochester.“Howareyou?andhowisyourchargeto-day?”
“We’retolerable,sir,Ithankyou,”repliedGrace,liftingtheboilingmesscarefullyontothehob:“rathersnappish,butneous.”
Afiercecryseemedtogivethelietoherfavourablereport:theclothedhyenaroseup,andstoodtallonitshi.
“Ah!sir,sheseesyou!”exclaimedGrace:“you’dbetternotstay.”
“Onlyafewmoments,Graustallowmeafewmoments.”
“Takecarethen,sir!—fod’ssake,takecare!”
Themaniacbellowed:shepartedhershaggylocksfromhervisage,andgazedwildlyathervisitors.Ireisedwellthatpurpleface,—thosebloatedfeatures.Mrs.Pooleadvanced.
“Keepoutoftheway,”saidMr.Rochester,thrustingheraside:“shehasnoknifenow,Isuppose,andI’monmyguard.”
“Oneneverknowswhatshehas,sir:sheissoing:itisnotinmortaldiscretiontofathomhercraft.”
“Wehadbetterleaveher,”whisperedMason.
“Gotothedevil!”washisbrother-in-law’sreendation.
“‘Ware!”criedGrace.Thethreegentlemereatedsimultaneously.Mr.Rochesterflungmebehindhim:thelunaticsprangandgrappledhisthroatviciously,andlaidherteethtohischeek:theystruggled.Shewasabigwoman,instaturealmostequallingherhusband,andcorpulentbesides:sheshowedvirileforthetest—morethanonceshealmostthrottledhim,athleticashewas.Hecouldhavesettledherwithawell-plantedblow;buthewouldnotstrike:hewouldonlywrestle.Atlasthemasteredherarms;GracePoolegavehimacord,andhepihembehindher:withmorerope,whichwasathand,hebouoachair.Theoperationerformedamidstthefiercestyellsavulsiveplunges.Mr.Rochesterthenturhespectators:helookedatthemwithasmilebothacridanddesolate.
“Thatismywife,”saidhe.“SuchisthesolejugalembraceIamevertoknow—sucharetheendearmentswhicharetosolacemyleisurehours!AndTHISiswhatIwishedtohave”(layinghishandonmyshoulder):“thisyounggirl,whostandssograveandquietatthemouthofhell,lookingcollectedlyatthegambolsofademon,Iwantedherjustasageafterthatfierceragout.WoodandBriggs,lookatthedifferenparethesecleareyeswiththeredballsyohisfacewiththatmask—thisformwiththatbulk;thenjudgeme,priestofthegospelandmanofthelaw,andrememberwithwhatjudgmentyejudgeyeshallbejudged!Offwithyounow.Imustshutupmyprize.”
Weallwithdrew.Mr.Rochesterstayedamomentbehindus,togivesomefurtherracePoole.Thesolicitoraddressedmeashedesdedthestair.
“You,madam,”saidhe,“areclearedfromallblame:yourunclewillbegladtohearit—if,indeed,heshouldbestillliving—whenMr.MasournstoMadeira.”
“Myuncle!Whatofhim?Doyouknowhim?”
“Mr.Masondoes.Mr.EyrehasbeentheFunchalcorrespoofhishouseforsomeyears.WhenyourunclereceivedyourletterintimatiemplatedunioweenyourselfandMr.Rochester,Mr.Mason,whowasstayingatMadeiratorecruithishealth,onhiswaybaaica,happeobewithhim.Mr.Eyrementioheintelligence;forhekhatmytherewasacquaihagentlemanofthenameofRochester.Mr.Mason,astonishedanddistressedasyoumaysuppose,revealedtherealstateofmatters.Youruncle,Iamsorrytosay,isnowonasickbed;fromwhich,sideriureofhisdisease—dee—aageithasreached,itisunlikelyhewilleverrise.HecouldnotthenhastentoEnglandhimself,toextricateyoufromthesowhichyouhadfallen,butheimploredMr.Masontolosenotimeintakiopreventthefalsemarriage.Hereferredhimtomeforassistance.IusedalldespatdamthankfulIwasnottoolate:asyou,doubtless,mustbealso.WereInotmorallycertainthatyourunclewillbedeadereyoureachMadeira,IwouldadviseyoutoapanyMr.Masonback;butasitis,IthinkyouhadbetterremaininEnglandtillyouhearfurther,eitherfromorofMr.Eyre.Haveweanythiostayfor?”heinquiredofMr.Mason.
“No,usbegone,”wastheanxiousreply;andwithoutwaitingtotakeleaveofMr.Rochester,theymadetheirexitatthehalldoor.Theclergymanstayedtoexgeafewsentences,eitherofadmonitionorreproof,withhishaughtyparishiohisdutydooodeparted.
IheardhimgoasIstoodatthehalf-opendoorofmyownroom,towhichIhadnowwithdrawn.Thehousecleared,Ishutmyselfin,fasteheboltthatnonemightintrude,andproceeded—nottoweep,nottomourn,Iwasyettoocalmforthat,but—meicallytotakeofftheweddingdress,andreplaceitbythestuffgownIhadworerday,asIthought,forthelasttime.Ithensatdowweakandtired.Ileanedmyarmsonatable,andmyheaddroppedonthem.AndnowIthought:tillnowIhadonlyheard,seen,moved—followedupanddownwhereIwasleded—watchedeventrusho,disclosureopenbeyonddisclosure:butnow,Ithought.
Themhadbeenaquietmenough—allexceptthebriefsewiththelunatic:thetransainthechurchhadnotbeennoisy;therewasnoexplosionofpassion,noloudaltercation,nodispute,nodefianceorchalleears,nosobs:afewwordshadbeenspoken,acalmlypronouncedobjetothemarriagemade;somestern,shortquestionsputbyMr.Rochester;answers,explanationsgiven,evidenceadduced;anopenadmissionofthetruthhadbeenutteredbymymaster;thenthelivingproofhadbeeheintrudersweregone,andallwasover.
Iwasinmyownroomasusual—justmyself,withoutobviousge:nothinghadsmittenme,orscathedme,ormaimedme.AwherewastheJaneEyreofyesterday?—wherewasherlife?—wherewereherprospects?
JaneEyre,whohadbeena,expetwoman—almostabride,wasacold,solitarygirlagain:herlifeale;herprospectsweredesolate.AChristmasfrosthadeatmidsummer;awhiteDecemberstormhadwhirledoverJune;iceglazedtheripeapples,driftscrushedtheblowingroses;onhayfieldandfieldlayafrozenshroud:laneswhichlastnightblushedfullofflowers,to-daywerepathlesswithuntroddensnow;andthewoods,whichtwelvehourssincewavedleafyandflagrantasgrovesbetweeropiowspread,waste,wild,andwhiteaspine-forestsinwintryNorway.Myhopeswerealldead—struckwithasubtledoom,suchas,inonenight,fellonallthefirst-borninthela.Ilookedonmycherishedwishes,yesterdaysobloomingandglowing;theylaystark,chill,lividcorpsesthatcouldneverrevive.Ilookedatmylove:thatfeelingwhichwasmymaster’s—whichhehadcreated;itshiveredi,likeasufferingchildinacoldcradle;siessandanguishhadseizedit;itcouldnotseekMr.Rochester’sarms—itcouldnotderivewarmthfromhisbreast.Oh,nevermorecoulditturntohim;forfaithwasblighted—fideroyed!Mr.Rochesterwasnottomewhathehadbeen;forhewasnotwhatIhadthoughthim.Iwouldnotascribevi;Iwouldnotsayhehadbetrayedme;buttheattributeofstairuthwasgonefromhisidea,andfromhispresenceImustgo:THATIperceivedwell.When—how—whither,Icoulddis;buthehimself,Idoubtednot,wouldhurrymefromThornfield.Realaffe,itseemed,hecouldnothaveforme;ithadbeenonlyfitfulpassion:thatwasbalked;hewouldwantmenomore.Ishouldfeareventocrosshispathnow:myviewmustbehatefultohim.Oh,howblindhadbeenmyeyes!Howweakmyduct!
Myeyeswerecoveredandclosed:eddyingdarknessseemedtoswimroundme,andrefleeinasbladfusedaflow.Self-abandoned,relaxed,andeffortless,Iseemedtohavelaidmedowninthedried-upbedofagreatriver;Iheardafloodloosenediemountains,ahetorrente:toriseIhadnowill,tofleeIhadnth.Ilayfaint,longingtobedead.Oneideaonlystillthrobbedlife-likewithinme—aremembranceofGod:itbegotanunutteredprayer:thesewordswentwanderingupanddowninmyraylessmind,assomethingthatshouldbewhispered,butnywasfoundtoexpressthem—
“Benotfarfromme,fortroubleishereisohelp.”
Itwasnear:andasIhadliftediontoHeaventoavertit—asIhadherjoinedmyhands,myknees,normovedmylips—itcame:infullheavyswiorrentpouredoverme.Thewholesciousnessofmylifelorn,mylovelost,myhopequenched,myfaithdeath-struck,swayedfullandmightyabovemeinonesullenmass.Thatbitterhourotbedescribed:intruth,“thewaterscameintomysoul;Isankindeepmire:Ifeltnostanding;Icameintodeepwaters;thefloodsoverflowedme.”松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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