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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, CHAPTER XXVI

CHAPTER XXVI

Sophie came at seven to dress me: she was very long indeed in accomplishing her task; so long that Mr. Rochester, grown, I suppose, impatient of my delay, sent up to ask why I did not come.

She was just fastening my veil (the plain square of blond after all) to my hair with a brooch; I hurried from under her hands as soon as I could.

“Stop!” she cried in French.

“Look at yourself in the mirror: you have not taken one peep.”

So I turned at the door: I saw a robed and veiled figure, so unlike my usual self that it seemed almost the image of a stranger.

“Jane!” called a voice, and I hastened down. I was received at the foot of the stairs by Mr. Rochester.

“Lingerer!” he said, “my brain is on fire with impatience, and you tarry so long!”

He took me into the dining-room, surveyed me keenly all over, pronounced me “fair as a lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes,” and then telling me he would give me but ten minutes to eat some breakfast, he rang the bell.

One of his lately hired servants, a footman, answered it.

“Is John getting the carriage ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Is the luggage brought down?”

“They are bringing it down, sir.”

“Go you to the church: see if Mr. Wood (the clergyman) and the clerk are there: return and tell me.”

The church, as the reader knows, was but just beyond the gates; the footman soon returned.

“Mr.

Wood is in the vestry, sir, putting on his surplice.”

“And the carriage?”

“The horses are harnessing.”

“We shall not want it to go to church; but it must be ready the moment we return: all the boxes and luggage arranged and strapped on, and the coachman in his seat.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Jane, are you ready?”

I rose.

There were no groomsmen, no bridesmaids, no relatives to wait for or marshal: none but Mr. Rochester and I. Mrs. Fairfax stood in the hall as we passed. I would fain have spoken to her, but my hand was held by a grasp of iron: I was hurried along by a stride I could hardly follow; and to look at Mr. Rochester's face was to feel that not a second of delay would be tolerated for any purpose. I wonder what other bridegroom ever looked as he did—so bent up to a purpose, so grimly resolute: or who, under such steadfast brows, ever revealed such flaming and flashing eyes.

I know not whether the day was fair or foul; in descending the drive, I gazed neither on sky nor earth: my heart was with my eyes; and both seemed migrated into Mr. Rochester's frame. I wanted to see the invisible thing on which, as we went along, he appeared to fasten a glance fierce and fell. I wanted to feel the thoughts whose force he seemed breasting and resisting.

At the churchyard wicket he stopped: he discovered I was quite out of breath.

“Am I cruel in my love?” he said. “Delay an instant: lean on me, Jane.”

And now I can recall the picture of the grey old house of God rising calm before me, of a rook wheeling round the steeple, of a ruddy morning sky beyond.

I remember something, too, of the green grave-mounds; and I have not forgotten, either, two figures of strangers straying amongst the low hillocks and reading the mementoes graven on the few mossy head-stones. I noticed them, because, as they saw us, they passed round to the back of the church; and I doubted not they were going to enter by the side-aisle door and witness the ceremony. By Mr. Rochester they were not observed; he was earnestly looking at my face from which the blood had, I daresay, momentarily fled: for I felt my forehead dewy, and my cheeks and lips cold. When I rallied, which I soon did, he walked gently with me up the path to the porch.

We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him.

All was still: two shadows only moved in a remote corner. My conjecture had been correct: the strangers had slipped in before us, and they now stood by the vault of the Rochesters, their backs towards us, viewing through the rails the old time-stained marble tomb, where a kneeling angel guarded the remains of Damer de Rochester, slain at Marston Moor in the time of the civil wars, and of Elizabeth, his wife.

Our place was taken at the communion rails.

Hearing a cautious step behind me, I glanced over my shoulder: one of the strangers—a gentleman, evidently—was advancing up the chancel. The service began. The explanation of the intent of matrimony was gone through; and then the clergyman came a step further forward, and, bending slightly towards Mr. Rochester, went on.

“I require and charge you both (as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.” He paused, as the custom is.

When is the pause after that sentence ever broken by reply? Not, perhaps, once in a hundred years. And the clergyman, who had not lifted his eyes from his book, and had held his breath but for a moment, was proceeding: his hand was already stretched towards Mr. Rochester, as his lips unclosed to ask, “Wilt thou have this woman for thy wedded wife?”—when a distinct and near voice said—

“The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment.”

The clergyman looked up at the speaker and stood mute; the clerk did the same; Mr. Rochester moved slightly, as if an earthquake had rolled under his feet: taking a firmer footing, and not turning his head or eyes, he said, “Proceed.”

Profound silence fell when he had uttered that word, with deep but low intonation.

Presently Mr. Wood said—

“I cannot proceed without some investigation into what has been asserted, and evidence of its truth or falsehood.”

“The ceremony is quite broken off,” subjoined the voice behind us.

“I am in a condition to prove my allegation: an insuperable impediment to this marriage exists.”

Mr.

Rochester heard, but heeded not: he stood stubborn and rigid, making no movement but to possess himself of my hand. What a hot and strong grasp he had! and how like quarried marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! How his eye shone, still watchful, and yet wild beneath!

Mr.

Wood seemed at a loss. “What is the nature of the impediment?” he asked. “Perhaps it may be got over—explained away?”

“Hardly,” was the answer.

“I have called it insuperable, and I speak advisedly.”

The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails.

He continued, uttering each word distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly—

“It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage.

Mr. Rochester has a wife now living.”

My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words as they had never vibrated to thunder—my blood felt their subtle violence as it had never felt frost or fire; but I was collected, and in no danger of swooning.

I looked at Mr. Rochester: I made him look at me. His whole face was colourless rock: his eye was both spark and flint. He disavowed nothing: he seemed as if he would defy all things. Without speaking, without smiling, without seeming to recognise in me a human being, he only twined my waist with his arm and riveted me to his side.

“Who are you?” he asked of the intruder.

“My name is Briggs, a solicitor of --- Street, London.”

“And you would thrust on me a wife?”

“I would remind you of your lady's existence, sir, which the law recognises, if you do not.” “Favour me with an account of her—with her name, her parentage, her place of abode.”

“Certainly.” Mr. Briggs calmly took a paper from his pocket, and read out in a sort of official, nasal voice:—

“‘I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October A.D.

--- (a date of fifteen years back), Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the county of ---, and of Ferndean Manor, in ---shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason, merchant, and of Antoinetta his wife, a Creole, at --- church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. The record of the marriage will be found in the register of that church—a copy of it is now in my possession. Signed, Richard Mason. '” “That—if a genuine document—may prove I have been married, but it does not prove that the woman mentioned therein as my wife is still living.”

“She was living three months ago,” returned the lawyer.

“How do you know?”

“I have a witness to the fact, whose testimony even you, sir, will scarcely controvert.”

“Produce him—or go to hell.”

“I will produce him first—he is on the spot.

Mr. Mason, have the goodness to step forward.”

Mr.

Rochester, on hearing the name, set his teeth; he experienced, too, a sort of strong convulsive quiver; near to him as I was, I felt the spasmodic movement of fury or despair run through his frame. The second stranger, who had hitherto lingered in the background, now drew near; a pale face looked over the solicitor's shoulder—yes, it was Mason himself. Mr. Rochester turned and glared at him. His eye, as I have often said, was a black eye: it had now a tawny, nay, a bloody light in its gloom; and his face flushed—olive cheek and hueless forehead received a glow as from spreading, ascending heart-fire: and he stirred, lifted his strong arm—he could have struck Mason, dashed him on the church-floor, shocked by ruthless blow the breath from his body—but Mason shrank away, and cried faintly, “Good God!” Contempt fell cool on Mr. Rochester—his passion died as if a blight had shrivelled it up: he only asked—“What have you to say?”

An inaudible reply escaped Mason's white lips. “The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly.

I again demand, what have you to say?”

“Sir—sir,” interrupted the clergyman, “do not forget you are in a sacred place.” Then addressing Mason, he inquired gently, “Are you aware, sir, whether or not this gentleman's wife is still living?” “Courage,” urged the lawyer,—“speak out.”

“She is now living at Thornfield Hall,” said Mason, in more articulate tones: “I saw her there last April.

I am her brother.”

“At Thornfield Hall!” ejaculated the clergyman.

“Impossible! I am an old resident in this neighbourhood, sir, and I never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at Thornfield Hall.”

I saw a grim smile contort Mr. Rochester's lips, and he muttered— “No, by God!

I took care that none should hear of it—or of her under that name.” He mused—for ten minutes he held counsel with himself: he formed his resolve, and announced it—

“Enough!

all shall bolt out at once, like the bullet from the barrel. Wood, close your book and take off your surplice; John Green (to the clerk), leave the church: there will be no wedding to-day.” The man obeyed.

Mr.

Rochester continued, hardily and recklessly: “Bigamy is an ugly word!—I meant, however, to be a bigamist; but fate has out-manoeuvred me, or Providence has checked me,—perhaps the last. I am little better than a devil at this moment; and, as my pastor there would tell me, deserve no doubt the sternest judgments of God, even to the quenchless fire and deathless worm. Gentlemen, my plan is broken up:—what this lawyer and his client say is true: I have been married, and the woman to whom I was married lives! You say you never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at the house up yonder, Wood; but I daresay you have many a time inclined your ear to gossip about the mysterious lunatic kept there under watch and ward. Some have whispered to you that she is my bastard half-sister: some, my cast-off mistress. I now inform you that she is my wife, whom I married fifteen years ago,—Bertha Mason by name; sister of this resolute personage, who is now, with his quivering limbs and white cheeks, showing you what a stout heart men may bear. Cheer up, Dick!—never fear me!—I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family; idiots and maniacs through three generations! Her mother, the Creole, was both a madwoman and a drunkard!—as I found out after I had wed the daughter: for they were silent on family secrets before. Bertha, like a dutiful child, copied her parent in both points. I had a charming partner—pure, wise, modest: you can fancy I was a happy man. I went through rich scenes! Oh! my experience has been heavenly, if you only knew it! But I owe you no further explanation. Briggs, Wood, Mason, I invite you all to come up to the house and visit Mrs. Poole's patient, and my wife ! You shall see what sort of a being I was cheated into espousing, and judge whether or not I had a right to break the compact, and seek sympathy with something at least human. This girl,” he continued, looking at me, “knew no more than you, Wood, of the disgusting secret: she thought all was fair and legal and never dreamt she was going to be entrapped into a feigned union with a defrauded wretch, already bound to a bad, mad, and embruted partner! Come all of you—follow!”

Still holding me fast, he left the church: the three gentlemen came after.

At the front door of the hall we found the carriage.

“Take it back to the coach-house, John,” said Mr. Rochester coolly; “it will not be wanted to-day.”

At our entrance, Mrs. Fairfax, Adèle, Sophie, Leah, advanced to meet and greet us.

“To the right-about—every soul!” cried the master; “away with your congratulations!

Who wants them? Not I!—they are fifteen years too late!”

He passed on and ascended the stairs, still holding my hand, and still beckoning the gentlemen to follow him, which they did.

We mounted the first staircase, passed up the gallery, proceeded to the third storey: the low, black door, opened by Mr. Rochester's master-key, admitted us to the tapestried room, with its great bed and its pictorial cabinet. “You know this place, Mason,” said our guide; “she bit and stabbed you here.”

He lifted the hangings from the wall, uncovering the second door: this, too, he opened.

In a room without a window, there burnt a fire guarded by a high and strong fender, and a lamp suspended from the ceiling by a chain. Grace Poole bent over the fire, apparently cooking something in a saucepan. In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight, tell: it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair, wild as a mane, hid its head and face.

“Good-morrow, Mrs. Poole!” said Mr. Rochester.

“How are you? and how is your charge to-day?”

“We're tolerable, sir, I thank you,” replied Grace, lifting the boiling mess carefully on to the hob: “rather snappish, but not ‘rageous.” A fierce cry seemed to give the lie to her favourable report: the clothed hyena rose up, and stood tall on its hind-feet.

“Ah!

sir, she sees you!” exclaimed Grace: “you'd better not stay.” “Only a few moments, Grace: you must allow me a few moments.”

“Take care then, sir!—for God's sake, take care!” The maniac bellowed: she parted her shaggy locks from her visage, and gazed wildly at her visitors.

I recognised well that purple face,—those bloated features. Mrs. Poole advanced.

“Keep out of the way,” said Mr. Rochester, thrusting her aside: “she has no knife now, I suppose, and I'm on my guard.” “One never knows what she has, sir: she is so cunning: it is not in mortal discretion to fathom her craft.”

“We had better leave her,” whispered Mason.

“Go to the devil!” was his brother-in-law's recommendation. “‘Ware!” cried Grace.

The three gentlemen retreated simultaneously. Mr. Rochester flung me behind him: the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously, and laid her teeth to his cheek: they struggled. She was a big woman, in stature almost equalling her husband, and corpulent besides: she showed virile force in the contest—more than once she almost throttled him, athletic as he was. He could have settled her with a well-planted blow; but he would not strike: he would only wrestle. At last he mastered her arms; Grace Poole gave him a cord, and he pinioned them behind her: with more rope, which was at hand, he bound her to a chair. The operation was performed amidst the fiercest yells and the most convulsive plunges. Mr. Rochester then turned to the spectators: he looked at them with a smile both acrid and desolate.

“That is my wife ,” said he.

“Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know—such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours! And this is what I wished to have” (laying his hand on my shoulder): “this young girl, who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon, I wanted her just as a change after that fierce ragout. Wood and Briggs, look at the difference! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder—this face with that mask—this form with that bulk; then judge me, priest of the gospel and man of the law, and remember with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged! Off with you now. I must shut up my prize.”

We all withdrew.

Mr. Rochester stayed a moment behind us, to give some further order to Grace Poole. The solicitor addressed me as he descended the stair.

“You, madam,” said he, “are cleared from all blame: your uncle will be glad to hear it—if, indeed, he should be still living—when Mr. Mason returns to Madeira.”

“My uncle!

What of him? Do you know him?”

“Mr.

Mason does. Mr. Eyre has been the Funchal correspondent of his house for some years. When your uncle received your letter intimating the contemplated union between yourself and Mr. Rochester, Mr. Mason, who was staying at Madeira to recruit his health, on his way back to Jamaica, happened to be with him. Mr. Eyre mentioned the intelligence; for he knew that my client here was acquainted with a gentleman of the name of Rochester. Mr. Mason, astonished and distressed as you may suppose, revealed the real state of matters. Your uncle, I am sorry to say, is now on a sick bed; from which, considering the nature of his disease—decline—and the stage it has reached, it is unlikely he will ever rise. He could not then hasten to England himself, to extricate you from the snare into which you had fallen, but he implored Mr. Mason to lose no time in taking steps to prevent the false marriage. He referred him to me for assistance. I used all despatch, and am thankful I was not too late: as you, doubtless, must be also. Were I not morally certain that your uncle will be dead ere you reach Madeira, I would advise you to accompany Mr. Mason back; but as it is, I think you had better remain in England till you can hear further, either from or of Mr. Eyre. Have we anything else to stay for?” he inquired of Mr. Mason.

“No, no—let us be gone,” was the anxious reply; and without waiting to take leave of Mr. Rochester, they made their exit at the hall door.

The clergyman stayed to exchange a few sentences, either of admonition or reproof, with his haughty parishioner; this duty done, he too departed.

I heard him go as I stood at the half-open door of my own room, to which I had now withdrawn.

The house cleared, I shut myself in, fastened the bolt that none might intrude, and proceeded—not to weep, not to mourn, I was yet too calm for that, but—mechanically to take off the wedding dress, and replace it by the stuff gown I had worn yesterday, as I thought, for the last time. I then sat down: I felt weak and tired. I leaned my arms on a table, and my head dropped on them. And now I thought: till now I had only heard, seen, moved—followed up and down where I was led or dragged—watched event rush on event, disclosure open beyond disclosure: but now , I thought .

The morning had been a quiet morning enough—all except the brief scene with the lunatic: the transaction in the church had not been noisy; there was no explosion of passion, no loud altercation, no dispute, no defiance or challenge, no tears, no sobs: a few words had been spoken, a calmly pronounced objection to the marriage made; some stern, short questions put by Mr. Rochester; answers, explanations given, evidence adduced; an open admission of the truth had been uttered by my master; then the living proof had been seen; the intruders were gone, and all was over.

I was in my own room as usual—just myself, without obvious change: nothing had smitten me, or scathed me, or maimed me.

And yet where was the Jane Eyre of yesterday?—where was her life?—where were her prospects?

Jane Eyre, who had been an ardent, expectant woman—almost a bride, was a cold, solitary girl again: her life was pale; her prospects were desolate.

A Christmas frost had come at midsummer; a white December storm had whirled over June; ice glazed the ripe apples, drifts crushed the blowing roses; on hayfield and cornfield lay a frozen shroud: lanes which last night blushed full of flowers, to-day were pathless with untrodden snow; and the woods, which twelve hours since waved leafy and flagrant as groves between the tropics, now spread, waste, wild, and white as pine-forests in wintry Norway. My hopes were all dead—struck with a subtle doom, such as, in one night, fell on all the first-born in the land of Egypt. I looked on my cherished wishes, yesterday so blooming and glowing; they lay stark, chill, livid corpses that could never revive. I looked at my love: that feeling which was my master's—which he had created; it shivered in my heart, like a suffering child in a cold cradle; sickness and anguish had seized it; it could not seek Mr. Rochester's arms—it could not derive warmth from his breast. Oh, never more could it turn to him; for faith was blighted—confidence destroyed! Mr. Rochester was not to me what he had been; for he was not what I had thought him. I would not ascribe vice to him; I would not say he had betrayed me; but the attribute of stainless truth was gone from his idea, and from his presence I must go: that I perceived well. When—how—whither, I could not yet discern; but he himself, I doubted not, would hurry me from Thornfield. Real affection, it seemed, he could not have for me; it had been only fitful passion: that was balked; he would want me no more. I should fear even to cross his path now: my view must be hateful to him. Oh, how blind had been my eyes! How weak my conduct!

My eyes were covered and closed: eddying darkness seemed to swim round me, and reflection came in as black and confused a flow.

Self-abandoned, relaxed, and effortless, I seemed to have laid me down in the dried-up bed of a great river; I heard a flood loosened in remote mountains, and felt the torrent come: to rise I had no will, to flee I had no strength. I lay faint, longing to be dead. One idea only still throbbed life-like within me—a remembrance of God: it begot an unuttered prayer: these words went wandering up and down in my rayless mind, as something that should be whispered, but no energy was found to express them—

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near: there is none to help.”

It was near: and as I had lifted no petition to Heaven to avert it—as I had neither joined my hands, nor bent my knees, nor moved my lips—it came: in full heavy swing the torrent poured over me.

The whole consciousness of my life lorn, my love lost, my hope quenched, my faith death-struck, swayed full and mighty above me in one sullen mass. That bitter hour cannot be described: in truth, “the waters came into my soul; I sank in deep mire: I felt no standing; I came into deep waters; the floods overflowed me.”

CHAPTER XXVI CHAPITRE XXVI ГЛАВА XXVI BÖLÜM XXVI

Sophie came at seven to dress me: she was very long indeed in accomplishing her task; so long that Mr. Rochester, grown, I suppose, impatient of my delay, sent up to ask why I did not come. Sophie mě přišla obléknout v sedm hodin a její práce trvala opravdu dlouho; tak dlouho, že pan Rochester, který už byl asi netrpělivý z mého zdržování, poslal nahoru, aby se zeptal, proč jsem nepřišla. Sophie est venue à sept heures pour m'habiller : elle a mis beaucoup de temps à accomplir sa tâche, si longtemps que M. Rochester, devenu, je suppose, impatient de mon retard, est monté pour demander pourquoi je n'étais pas venue.

She was just fastening my veil (the plain square of blond after all) to my hair with a brooch; I hurried from under her hands as soon as I could. Zrovna mi připevňovala závoj (přece jen obyčejný čtverec blond) k vlasům broží; spěchala jsem zpod jejích rukou, jak jen to šlo. Elle fixait juste mon voile (le carré uni du blond après tout) à mes cheveux avec une broche; Je me suis dépêché de sous ses mains dès que j'ai pu.

“Stop!” she cried in French. "Stůj!" vykřikla francouzsky.

“Look at yourself in the mirror: you have not taken one peep.” "Podívejte se na sebe do zrcadla: ani jednou jste se nepodíval." «Regarde-toi dans le miroir: tu n'as pas jeté un coup d'œil.»

So I turned at the door: I saw a robed and veiled figure, so unlike my usual self that it seemed almost the image of a stranger. Otočil jsem se tedy u dveří: Uviděl jsem zahalenou postavu, která se tak lišila od mého obvyklého já, že mi připadala téměř jako obraz cizího člověka. Alors je me suis tourné vers la porte: j'ai vu une silhouette vêtue et voilée, si différente de ma personnalité habituelle qu'elle ressemblait presque à l'image d'un étranger.

“Jane!” called a voice, and I hastened down. "Jane!" zavolal nějaký hlas a já spěchala dolů. "Jeanne!" appela une voix, et je me précipitai. I was received at the foot of the stairs by Mr. Rochester. Na úpatí schodiště mě přijal pan Rochester. J'ai été reçue au pied de l'escalier par M. Rochester.

“Lingerer!” he said, “my brain is on fire with impatience, and you tarry so long!” "Lingerere!" řekl, "můj mozek hoří nedočkavostí, a vy se tak dlouho zdržujete!" "Traîneur!" il a dit, "mon cerveau est en feu d'impatience, et vous attendez si longtemps!"

He took me into the dining-room, surveyed me keenly all over, pronounced me “fair as a lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes,” and then telling me he would give me but ten minutes to eat some breakfast, he rang the bell. Vzal mě do jídelny, pozorně si mě prohlédl, prohlásil, že jsem "krásná jako lilie a že jsem nejen pýchou jeho života, ale i touhou jeho očí", a pak mi řekl, že mi dá jen deset minut na snídani, a zazvonil. Il m'emmena dans la salle à manger, me scruta vivement partout, me déclara «juste comme un lys, et pas seulement la fierté de sa vie, mais le désir de ses yeux», puis me disant qu'il ne m'en donnerait que dix minutes pour prendre un petit-déjeuner, il sonna.

One of his lately hired servants, a footman, answered it. Un de ses domestiques récemment embauchés, un valet de pied, y répondit.

“Is John getting the carriage ready?” «Est-ce que John prépare la voiture?

“Yes, sir.”

“Is the luggage brought down?” «Les bagages ont-ils été déposés?»

“They are bringing it down, sir.” «Ils le réduisent, monsieur.

“Go you to the church: see if Mr. Wood (the clergyman) and the clerk are there: return and tell me.”

The church, as the reader knows, was but just beyond the gates; the footman soon returned. L'église, comme le lecteur le sait, se trouvait juste derrière les portes ; le valet de pied revint bientôt.

“Mr.

Wood is in the vestry, sir, putting on his surplice.” Le bois est dans la sacristie, monsieur, mettant son surplis.

“And the carriage?”

“The horses are harnessing.” «Les chevaux attelent.»

“We shall not want it to go to church; but it must be ready the moment we return: all the boxes and luggage arranged and strapped on, and the coachman in his seat.” «Nous ne voudrons pas que cela aille à l'église; mais il doit être prêt au moment de notre retour: tous les cartons et bagages rangés et attachés, et le cocher à sa place.

“Yes, sir.”

“Jane, are you ready?”

I rose.

There were no groomsmen, no bridesmaids, no relatives to wait for or marshal: none but Mr. Rochester and I.  Mrs. Fairfax stood in the hall as we passed. Il n'y avait pas de garçons d'honneur, pas de demoiselles d'honneur, pas de parents à attendre ou de maréchal: personne d'autre que M. Rochester et moi. Mme Fairfax se tenait dans le hall en passant. I would fain have spoken to her, but my hand was held by a grasp of iron: I was hurried along by a stride I could hardly follow; and to look at Mr. Rochester's face was to feel that not a second of delay would be tolerated for any purpose. J'aurais voulu lui parler, mais ma main était tenue par une étreinte de fer: j'étais pressé par une enjambée que je pouvais à peine suivre; et regarder le visage de M. Rochester, c'était sentir que pas une seconde de retard ne serait tolérée pour quelque raison que ce soit. I wonder what other bridegroom ever looked as he did—so bent up to a purpose, so grimly resolute: or who, under such steadfast brows, ever revealed such flaming and flashing eyes. I wonder what other bridegroom ever looked as he did—so bent up to a purpose, so grimly resolute: or who, under such steadfast brows, ever revealed such flaming and flashing eyes. Je me demande à quoi un autre époux a jamais ressemblé - si courbé dans un but, si résolument résolu: ou qui, sous des sourcils aussi fermes, a jamais révélé des yeux aussi enflammés et clignotants.

I know not whether the day was fair or foul; in descending the drive, I gazed neither on sky nor earth: my heart was with my eyes; and both seemed migrated into Mr. Rochester's frame. Je ne sais pas si la journée a été belle ou mauvaise; en descendant l'allée, je ne regardais ni le ciel ni la terre: mon cœur était avec mes yeux; et les deux semblaient avoir migré dans le cadre de M. Rochester. I wanted to see the invisible thing on which, as we went along, he appeared to fasten a glance fierce and fell. Je voulais voir la chose invisible sur laquelle, au fur et à mesure, il parut jeter un regard féroce et tomba. I wanted to feel the thoughts whose force he seemed breasting and resisting. Je voulais ressentir les pensées dont il paraissait étouffer la force et résister.

At the churchyard wicket he stopped: he discovered I was quite out of breath. Au guichet du cimetière, il s'arrêta: il découvrit que j'étais assez essoufflé.

“Am I cruel in my love?” he said. “Delay an instant: lean on me, Jane.” «Retardez un instant: appuyez-vous sur moi, Jane.

And now I can recall the picture of the grey old house of God rising calm before me, of a rook wheeling round the steeple, of a ruddy morning sky beyond. And now I can recall the picture of the grey old house of God rising calm before me, of a rook wheeling round the steeple, of a ruddy morning sky beyond. Et maintenant je peux me souvenir de l'image de la vieille maison grise de Dieu s'élevant calme devant moi, d'une tour tournant autour du clocher, d'un ciel matinal vermeil au-delà.

I remember something, too, of the green grave-mounds; and I have not forgotten, either, two figures of strangers straying amongst the low hillocks and reading the mementoes graven on the few mossy head-stones. Je me souviens aussi de quelque chose des tumulus verts; et je n'ai pas oublié non plus deux figures d'étrangers errant parmi les collines basses et lisant les souvenirs gravés sur les quelques pierres tombales moussues. I noticed them, because, as they saw us, they passed round to the back of the church; and I doubted not they were going to enter by the side-aisle door and witness the ceremony. I noticed them, because, as they saw us, they passed round to the back of the church; and I doubted not they were going to enter by the side-aisle door and witness the ceremony. Je les ai remarqués, parce que, en nous voyant, ils sont passés au fond de l'église; et je ne doutais pas qu'ils allaient entrer par la porte du bas-côté et assister à la cérémonie. By Mr. Rochester they were not observed; he was earnestly looking at my face from which the blood had, I daresay, momentarily fled: for I felt my forehead dewy, and my cheeks and lips cold. Par M. Rochester, ils n'ont pas été observés; il regardait sérieusement mon visage d'où le sang avait, j'ose dire, fui momentanément: car je sentais mon front rosé, mes joues et mes lèvres froides. When I rallied, which I soon did, he walked gently with me up the path to the porch. Quand je me suis rallié, ce que j'ai vite fait, il a marché doucement avec moi sur le chemin du porche.

We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice at the lowly altar, the clerk beside him. Nous sommes entrés dans le temple calme et humble; le prêtre attendait dans son surplis blanc à l'humble autel, le clerc à côté de lui.

All was still: two shadows only moved in a remote corner. Tout était immobile : deux ombres bougeaient seulement dans un coin reculé. My conjecture had been correct: the strangers had slipped in before us, and they now stood by the vault of the Rochesters, their backs towards us, viewing through the rails the old time-stained marble tomb, where a kneeling angel guarded the remains of Damer de Rochester, slain at Marston Moor in the time of the civil wars, and of Elizabeth, his wife. Ma conjecture avait été correcte: les étrangers s'étaient glissés devant nous, et ils se tenaient maintenant près de la voûte des Rochester, le dos vers nous, regardant à travers les rails l'ancien tombeau en marbre taché de temps, où un ange agenouillé gardait les restes de Damer de Rochester, tué à Marston Moor à l'époque des guerres civiles, et d'Elizabeth, sa femme.

Our place was taken at the communion rails. Notre place a été prise aux rails de la communion.

Hearing a cautious step behind me, I glanced over my shoulder: one of the strangers—a gentleman, evidently—was advancing up the chancel. Hearing a cautious step behind me, I glanced over my shoulder: one of the strangers—a gentleman, evidently—was advancing up the chancel. Entendant un pas prudent derrière moi, je jetai un coup d'œil par-dessus mon épaule: un des étrangers - un gentilhomme, évidemment - avançait dans le choeur. The service began. The explanation of the intent of matrimony was gone through; and then the clergyman came a step further forward, and, bending slightly towards Mr. Rochester, went on. L'explication de l'intention du mariage était passée; puis le pasteur fit un pas de plus en avant et, se penchant légèrement vers M. Rochester, continua.

“I require and charge you both (as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.” “I require and charge you both (as ye will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed), that if either of you know any impediment why ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth allow, are not joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful.” «Je vous demande et vous charge tous les deux (comme vous répondrez au terrible jour du jugement, lorsque les secrets de tous les cœurs seront révélés), que si l'un de vous connaît un obstacle pour lequel vous ne pouvez pas être légalement unis dans le mariage, vous confes-le maintenant; car soyez bien assurés que tant de ceux qui sont couplés ensemble autrement que ne le permet la Parole de Dieu, ne sont pas unis par Dieu, et leur mariage n'est pas non plus licite. He paused, as the custom is. Il fit une pause, comme la coutume est.

When is the pause after that sentence ever broken by reply? Quand la pause après cette phrase est-elle interrompue par une réponse? Not, perhaps, once in a hundred years. Pas, peut-être, une fois tous les cent ans. And the clergyman, who had not lifted his eyes from his book, and had held his breath but for a moment, was proceeding: his hand was already stretched towards Mr. Rochester, as his lips unclosed to ask, “Wilt thou have this woman for thy wedded wife?”—when a distinct and near voice said— Et le pasteur, qui n'avait pas levé les yeux de son livre, et n'avait retenu son souffle que pendant un instant, procédait: sa main était déjà tendue vers M. Rochester, comme ses lèvres ouvertes pour demander: «Veux-tu avoir cette femme pour ta femme mariée? »- quand une voix distincte et proche dit:

“The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment.” "Le mariage ne peut pas continuer: je déclare l'existence d'un empêchement."

The clergyman looked up at the speaker and stood mute; the clerk did the same; Mr. Rochester moved slightly, as if an earthquake had rolled under his feet: taking a firmer footing, and not turning his head or eyes, he said, “Proceed.” Le pasteur leva les yeux vers l'orateur et resta muet; le greffier a fait de même; M. Rochester s'est déplacé légèrement, comme si un tremblement de terre avait roulé sous ses pieds: prenant une position plus ferme, et ne tournant pas la tête ou les yeux, il a dit: «Continuez.

Profound silence fell when he had uttered that word, with deep but low intonation. Un profond silence tomba quand il eut prononcé ce mot, avec une intonation profonde mais basse.

Presently Mr. Wood said—

“I cannot proceed without some investigation into what has been asserted, and evidence of its truth or falsehood.” «Je ne peux pas continuer sans une enquête sur ce qui a été affirmé et des preuves de sa vérité ou de sa fausseté.»

“The ceremony is quite broken off,” subjoined the voice behind us. «La cérémonie est assez interrompue», renchérit la voix derrière nous.

“I am in a condition to prove my allegation: an insuperable impediment to this marriage exists.” «Je suis en état de prouver mon allégation: il existe un obstacle insurmontable à ce mariage.»

Mr.

Rochester heard, but heeded not: he stood stubborn and rigid, making no movement but to possess himself of my hand. Rochester entendit, mais n'y prêta pas attention: il resta têtu et rigide, ne faisant aucun mouvement mais pour se prendre en main. What a hot and strong grasp he had! and how like quarried marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! et comme son front pâle, ferme et massif ressemblait en ce moment à du marbre de carrière! How his eye shone, still watchful, and yet wild beneath! Comme son œil brillait, toujours vigilant et pourtant sauvage en dessous!

Mr.

Wood seemed at a loss. Wood semblait perdu. “What is the nature of the impediment?” he asked. “Perhaps it may be got over—explained away?” «Peut-être que cela peut être surmonté - expliqué?

“Hardly,” was the answer. «À peine», fut la réponse.

“I have called it insuperable, and I speak advisedly.” “I have called it insuperable, and I speak advisedly.” "Je l'ai appelé insurmontable, et je parle à bon escient."

The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails. The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails. L'orateur s'avança et s'appuya sur les rails.

He continued, uttering each word distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly— He continued, uttering each word distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly— Il continua, prononçant chaque mot distinctement, calmement, régulièrement, mais pas bruyamment -

“It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. “It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. «Cela consiste simplement en l'existence d'un mariage antérieur.

Mr. Rochester has a wife now living.” Mr. Rochester has a wife now living.” M. Rochester a une femme qui vit maintenant.

My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words as they had never vibrated to thunder—my blood felt their subtle violence as it had never felt frost or fire; but I was collected, and in no danger of swooning. My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words as they had never vibrated to thunder—my blood felt their subtle violence as it had never felt frost or fire; but I was collected, and in no danger of swooning. Mes nerfs vibraient à ces paroles basses comme elles n'avaient jamais vibré au tonnerre - mon sang ressentait leur subtile violence comme il n'avait jamais senti le gel ou le feu; mais j'étais recueilli et je ne risquais pas de m'évanouir.

I looked at Mr. Rochester: I made him look at me. J'ai regardé M. Rochester : Je l'ai fait me regarder. His whole face was colourless rock: his eye was both spark and flint. Tout son visage était de roche incolore: son œil était à la fois étincelle et silex. He disavowed nothing: he seemed as if he would defy all things. Il ne désavoua rien: il semblait vouloir défier tout. Without speaking, without smiling, without seeming to recognise in me a human being, he only twined my waist with his arm and riveted me to his side. Sans parler, sans sourire, sans sembler reconnaître en moi un être humain, il ne fit que me tordre la taille avec son bras et me riva à son côté.

“Who are you?” he asked of the intruder.

“My name is Briggs, a solicitor of --- Street, London.” "Je m'appelle Briggs, un avocat de --- Street, Londres."

“And you would thrust on me a wife?” «Et tu me donnerais une femme?

“I would remind you of your lady's existence, sir, which the law recognises, if you do not.” «Je voudrais vous rappeler l'existence de votre dame, monsieur, que la loi reconnaît, si vous ne le faites pas. “Favour me with an account of her—with her name, her parentage, her place of abode.” «Favorisez-moi avec un récit d'elle - avec son nom, sa filiation, son lieu de résidence.

“Certainly.”  Mr. Briggs calmly took a paper from his pocket, and read out in a sort of official, nasal voice:—

“‘I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October A.D. "J'affirme et je peux prouver que le 20 octobre de l'ère chrétienne

--- (a date of fifteen years back), Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the county of ---, and of Ferndean Manor, in ---shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason, merchant, and of Antoinetta his wife, a Creole, at --- church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. --- (il y a quinze ans), Edward Fairfax Rochester, de Thornfield Hall, dans le comté de ---, et de Ferndean Manor, dans le ---shire, en Angleterre, s'est marié à ma sœur, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, fille de Jonas Mason, marchand, et d'Antoinetta son épouse, une créole, à l'église de ---, Spanish Town, en Jamaïque. The record of the marriage will be found in the register of that church—a copy of it is now in my possession. L'acte du mariage se trouve dans le registre de cette église - une copie en est maintenant en ma possession. Signed, Richard Mason. '” “That—if a genuine document—may prove I have been married, but it does not prove that the woman mentioned therein as my wife is still living.”

“She was living three months ago,” returned the lawyer. "Elle vivait il y a trois mois", répond l'avocat.

“How do you know?”

“I have a witness to the fact, whose testimony even you, sir, will scarcely controvert.” «J'ai un témoin du fait, dont le témoignage même vous, monsieur, ne contestera guère.

“Produce him—or go to hell.”

“I will produce him first—he is on the spot. «Je vais le produire d'abord - il est sur place.

Mr. Mason, have the goodness to step forward.” Monsieur Mason, ayez la bonté d'aller de l'avant.

Mr.

Rochester, on hearing the name, set his teeth; he experienced, too, a sort of strong convulsive quiver; near to him as I was, I felt the spasmodic movement of fury or despair run through his frame. Rochester, en entendant le nom, a serré les dents; il éprouva aussi une sorte de fort frémissement convulsif; près de lui comme j'étais, je sentis le mouvement spasmodique de fureur ou de désespoir parcourir son corps. The second stranger, who had hitherto lingered in the background, now drew near; a pale face looked over the solicitor's shoulder—yes, it was Mason himself. The second stranger, who had hitherto lingered in the background, now drew near; a pale face looked over the solicitor's shoulder—yes, it was Mason himself. Le second inconnu, qui jusque-là s'était attardé à l'arrière-plan, s'approchait; un visage pâle regarda par-dessus l'épaule de l'avocat - oui, c'était Mason lui-même. Mr. Rochester turned and glared at him. M. Rochester se retourna et le fusilla du regard. His eye, as I have often said, was a black eye: it had now a tawny, nay, a bloody light in its gloom; and his face flushed—olive cheek and hueless forehead received a glow as from spreading, ascending heart-fire: and he stirred, lifted his strong arm—he could have struck Mason, dashed him on the church-floor, shocked by ruthless blow the breath from his body—but Mason shrank away, and cried faintly, “Good God!”  Contempt fell cool on Mr. Rochester—his passion died as if a blight had shrivelled it up: he only asked—“What have you to say?” Son œil, comme je l'ai souvent dit, était un œil au beurre noir: il avait maintenant une lueur fauve, non, une lueur sanglante dans sa pénombre; et son visage rougit - la joue olive et le front impuissant reçurent une lueur comme du feu du cœur qui se propageait et montait: et il remua, leva son bras fort - il aurait pu frapper Mason, le précipiter sur le sol de l'église, choqué par un coup impitoyable. souffle de son corps - mais Mason recula et cria faiblement: «Bon Dieu!» Le mépris tomba tranquillement sur M. Rochester - sa passion mourut comme si un fléau l'avait ratatinée: il demanda seulement - «Qu'avez-vous à dire?

An inaudible reply escaped Mason's white lips. “The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly. "Le diable est dans l'affaire si vous ne pouvez pas répondre distinctement.

I again demand, what have you to say?”

“Sir—sir,” interrupted the clergyman, “do not forget you are in a sacred place.”  Then addressing Mason, he inquired gently, “Are you aware, sir, whether or not this gentleman's wife is still living?” "Monsieur, interrompit l'ecclésiastique, n'oubliez pas que vous êtes dans un lieu sacré. Puis, s'adressant à Mason, il lui demande gentiment : "Savez-vous, monsieur, si la femme de cet homme est encore en vie ?" “Courage,” urged the lawyer,—“speak out.” «Courage,» a exhorté l'avocat, - «parlez.

“She is now living at Thornfield Hall,” said Mason, in more articulate tones: “I saw her there last April. "Elle vit maintenant à Thornfield Hall", dit Mason d'un ton plus articulé : "Je l'y ai vue en avril dernier.

I am her brother.”

“At Thornfield Hall!” ejaculated the clergyman.

“Impossible! I am an old resident in this neighbourhood, sir, and I never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at Thornfield Hall.”

I saw a grim smile contort Mr. Rochester's lips, and he muttered— J'ai vu un sourire sinistre contorsionner les lèvres de M. Rochester, et il a murmuré - “No, by God!

I took care that none should hear of it—or of her under that name.”  He mused—for ten minutes he held counsel with himself: he formed his resolve, and announced it— J'ai veillé à ce que personne n'en entende parler - ou d'elle sous ce nom. Il a réfléchi - pendant dix minutes il s'est entretenu avec lui-même: il a formé sa résolution et l'a annoncé -

“Enough!

all shall bolt out at once, like the bullet from the barrel. tout doit exploser à la fois, comme la balle du canon. Wood, close your book and take off your surplice; John Green (to the clerk), leave the church: there will be no wedding to-day.”  The man obeyed.

Mr.

Rochester continued, hardily and recklessly: “Bigamy is an ugly word!—I meant, however, to be a bigamist; but fate has out-manoeuvred me, or Providence has checked me,—perhaps the last. Rochester continua, hardiment et imprudemment: «Bigamie est un vilain mot! - Je voulais pourtant être bigame; mais le sort m'a déjoué, ou la Providence m'a arrêté, peut-être le dernier. I am little better than a devil at this moment; and, as my pastor there would tell me, deserve no doubt the sternest judgments of God, even to the quenchless fire and deathless worm. Je ne suis guère meilleur qu'un démon en ce moment; et, comme mon pasteur me le dirait, méritent sans aucun doute les jugements les plus sévères de Dieu, même pour le feu éternel et le ver immortel. Gentlemen, my plan is broken up:—what this lawyer and his client say is true: I have been married, and the woman to whom I was married lives! Messieurs, mon projet est rompu: - ce que cet avocat et son client disent est vrai: je suis marié, et la femme avec qui j'étais marié vit! You say you never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at the house up yonder, Wood; but I daresay you have many a time inclined your ear to gossip about the mysterious lunatic kept there under watch and ward. Vous dites que vous n'avez jamais entendu parler d'une Mme Rochester à la maison là-bas, Wood; mais j'ose dire que vous avez maintes fois porté votre oreille à bavarder sur le mystérieux aliéné gardé là-bas sous surveillance et surveillance. Some have whispered to you that she is my bastard half-sister: some, my cast-off mistress. Certains vous ont chuchoté qu'elle est ma demi-soeur bâtarde: d'autres, ma maîtresse de chasse. I now inform you that she is my wife, whom I married fifteen years ago,—Bertha Mason by name; sister of this resolute personage, who is now, with his quivering limbs and white cheeks, showing you what a stout heart men may bear. Je vous informe maintenant que c'est ma femme, que j'ai épousée il y a quinze ans, Bertha Mason de nom; soeur de ce personnage résolu, qui est maintenant, avec ses membres tremblants et ses joues blanches, vous montrant à quel point les hommes ont le cœur gros. Cheer up, Dick!—never fear me!—I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bravo, Dick! - Ne me craignez jamais! - Je frapperais presque aussi vite une femme que vous. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad family; idiots and maniacs through three generations! Her mother, the Creole, was both a madwoman and a drunkard!—as I found out after I had wed the daughter: for they were silent on family secrets before. Sa mère, la créole, était à la fois une folle et une ivrogne, comme je l'ai appris après avoir épousé sa fille, car auparavant, ils ne parlaient pas des secrets de famille. Bertha, like a dutiful child, copied her parent in both points. I had a charming partner—pure, wise, modest: you can fancy I was a happy man. J'avais un partenaire charmant - pur, sage, modeste: vous pouvez imaginer que j'étais un homme heureux. I went through rich scenes! J'ai traversé des scènes riches! Oh! my experience has been heavenly, if you only knew it! mon expérience a été céleste, si vous le saviez! But I owe you no further explanation. Mais je ne vous dois aucune autre explication. Briggs, Wood, Mason, I invite you all to come up to the house and visit Mrs. Poole's patient, and my wife ! You shall see what sort of a being I was cheated into espousing, and judge whether or not I had a right to break the compact, and seek sympathy with something at least human. Vous verrez quelle sorte d'être j'ai été trompé en épousant, et jugerez si j'avais le droit de rompre le pacte et de rechercher la sympathie pour quelque chose au moins humain. This girl,” he continued, looking at me, “knew no more than you, Wood, of the disgusting secret: she thought all was fair and legal and never dreamt she was going to be entrapped into a feigned union with a defrauded wretch, already bound to a bad, mad, and embruted partner! Cette fille, continua-t-il en me regardant, ne savait pas plus que toi, Wood, le secret dégoûtant: elle pensait que tout était juste et légal et n'avait jamais rêvé qu'elle allait être piégée dans une union feinte avec un misérable escroqué, déjà lié à un partenaire mauvais, fou et embrassé! Come all of you—follow!” Venez tous, suivez !"

Still holding me fast, he left the church: the three gentlemen came after. Me tenant toujours, il sortit de l'église : les trois messieurs le suivirent.

At the front door of the hall we found the carriage. À la porte d'entrée du hall, nous avons trouvé la voiture.

“Take it back to the coach-house, John,” said Mr. Rochester coolly; “it will not be wanted to-day.” - Rapportez-le à la remise, John, dit froidement M. Rochester; «Il ne sera pas voulu aujourd'hui.»

At our entrance, Mrs. Fairfax, Adèle, Sophie, Leah, advanced to meet and greet us.

“To the right-about—every soul!” cried the master; “away with your congratulations! «À droite - environ - chaque âme!» s'écria le maître; «Loin avec vos félicitations!

Who wants them? Not I!—they are fifteen years too late!”

He passed on and ascended the stairs, still holding my hand, and still beckoning the gentlemen to follow him, which they did.

We mounted the first staircase, passed up the gallery, proceeded to the third storey: the low, black door, opened by Mr. Rochester's master-key, admitted us to the tapestried room, with its great bed and its pictorial cabinet. Nous montâmes le premier escalier, passâmes la galerie, passâmes au troisième étage: la porte basse et noire, ouverte par le passe-partout de M. Rochester, nous admit dans la salle tapissée, avec son grand lit et son cabinet pictural. “You know this place, Mason,” said our guide; “she bit and stabbed you here.” "Vous connaissez cet endroit, Mason, dit notre guide, c'est là qu'elle vous a mordu et poignardé.

He lifted the hangings from the wall, uncovering the second door: this, too, he opened. Il souleva les tentures du mur, découvrant la deuxième porte: celle-ci aussi, il l'ouvrit.

In a room without a window, there burnt a fire guarded by a high and strong fender, and a lamp suspended from the ceiling by a chain. Dans une pièce sans fenêtre, il y avait brûlé un feu gardé par une défense haute et solide, et une lampe suspendue au plafond par une chaîne. Grace Poole bent over the fire, apparently cooking something in a saucepan. Grace Poole, penchée sur le feu, fait apparemment cuire quelque chose dans une casserole. In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure ran backwards and forwards. Dans l'ombre profonde, au fond de la pièce, une silhouette courait en arrière et en avant. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at first sight, tell: it grovelled, seemingly, on all fours; it snatched and growled like some strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled hair, wild as a mane, hid its head and face. Ce que c'était, bête ou être humain, on ne pouvait pas, à première vue, le dire: il rampait, apparemment, à quatre pattes; il se saisit et grogna comme un étrange animal sauvage: mais il était couvert de vêtements, et une quantité de cheveux noirs et grisonnants, sauvages comme une crinière, cachait sa tête et son visage.

“Good-morrow, Mrs. Poole!” said Mr. Rochester. "Demain, Mme Poole, dit M. Rochester.

“How are you? and how is your charge to-day?” et comment se porte votre charge aujourd'hui ?"

“We're tolerable, sir, I thank you,” replied Grace, lifting the boiling mess carefully on to the hob: “rather snappish, but not ‘rageous.” "Nous sommes tolérables, monsieur, je vous remercie," répondit Grace, soulevant avec précaution le désordre bouillant sur la plaque de cuisson: "plutôt vif, mais pas 'rageur." A fierce cry seemed to give the lie to her favourable report: the clothed hyena rose up, and stood tall on its hind-feet. Un cri féroce semblait démentir son rapport favorable: la hyène vêtue se leva et se tint debout sur ses pattes arrière.

“Ah!

sir, she sees you!” exclaimed Grace: “you'd better not stay.” Monsieur, elle vous voit !" s'exclama Grace : "Vous feriez mieux de ne pas rester." “Only a few moments, Grace: you must allow me a few moments.” "Quelques instants seulement, Grace : vous devez me laisser quelques instants."

“Take care then, sir!—for God's sake, take care!” The maniac bellowed: she parted her shaggy locks from her visage, and gazed wildly at her visitors. Le maniaque beugla: elle sépara ses mèches hirsutes de son visage et regarda follement ses visiteurs.

I recognised well that purple face,—those bloated features. Mrs. Poole advanced.

“Keep out of the way,” said Mr. Rochester, thrusting her aside: “she has no knife now, I suppose, and I'm on my guard.” «Tenez-vous à l'écart», dit M. Rochester en la poussant de côté: «elle n'a plus de couteau maintenant, je suppose, et je suis sur mes gardes. “One never knows what she has, sir: she is so cunning: it is not in mortal discretion to fathom her craft.” «On ne sait jamais ce qu'elle a, monsieur: elle est si rusée: ce n'est pas à la discrétion mortelle de sonder son art.

“We had better leave her,” whispered Mason. "Nous ferions mieux de la laisser, murmura Mason.

“Go to the devil!” was his brother-in-law's recommendation. "Son beau-frère lui a recommandé d'aller au diable. “‘Ware!” cried Grace. "'Ware!" s'écria Grace.

The three gentlemen retreated simultaneously. Mr. Rochester flung me behind him: the lunatic sprang and grappled his throat viciously, and laid her teeth to his cheek: they struggled. M. Rochester me jeta derrière lui: le fou bondit et se saisit vicieusement la gorge, et mit ses dents sur sa joue: ils se débattirent. She was a big woman, in stature almost equalling her husband, and corpulent besides: she showed virile force in the contest—more than once she almost throttled him, athletic as he was. C'était une grande femme, d'une stature presque égale à celle de son mari, et corpulente en plus: elle montrait une force virile dans le combat - plus d'une fois elle faillit l'étrangler, athlétique comme lui. He could have settled her with a well-planted blow; but he would not strike: he would only wrestle. Il aurait pu la calmer d'un coup bien planté; mais il ne frapperait pas: il lutterait seulement. At last he mastered her arms; Grace Poole gave him a cord, and he pinioned them behind her: with more rope, which was at hand, he bound her to a chair. Enfin, il maîtrisa ses bras; Grace Poole lui tendit une corde, et il les pinça derrière elle: avec plus de corde, qui était à portée de main, il la lia à une chaise. The operation was performed amidst the fiercest yells and the most convulsive plunges. L'opération s'est déroulée au milieu des hurlements les plus féroces et des plongeons les plus convulsifs. Mr. Rochester then turned to the spectators: he looked at them with a smile both acrid and desolate. Mr. Rochester then turned to the spectators: he looked at them with a smile both acrid and desolate. M. Rochester s'est alors tourné vers les spectateurs: il les a regardés avec un sourire à la fois âcre et désolé.

“That is my wife ,” said he.

“Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know—such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours! “Such is the sole conjugal embrace I am ever to know—such are the endearments which are to solace my leisure hours! «Telle est la seule étreinte conjugale que je connaisse, telles sont les tendresses qui consoleront mes heures de loisir! And this is what I wished to have” (laying his hand on my shoulder): “this young girl, who stands so grave and quiet at the mouth of hell, looking collectedly at the gambols of a demon, I wanted her just as a change after that fierce ragout. Et c'est ce que je voulais avoir »(posant sa main sur mon épaule):« cette jeune fille, qui se tient si grave et si silencieuse à la gueule de l'enfer, regardant avec recueillement les gambades d'un démon, je la voulais comme une changer après ce ragoût féroce. Wood and Briggs, look at the difference! Wood et Briggs, voyez la différence ! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder—this face with that mask—this form with that bulk; then judge me, priest of the gospel and man of the law, and remember with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged! Compare these clear eyes with the red balls yonder—this face with that mask—this form with that bulk; then judge me, priest of the gospel and man of the law, and remember with what judgment ye judge ye shall be judged! Comparez ces yeux clairs avec les boules rouges là-bas - ce visage avec ce masque - cette forme avec ce volume; alors juge-moi, sacrificateur de l'Évangile et homme de loi, et souviens-toi avec quel jugement tu jugeras tu seras jugé! Off with you now. Off avec toi maintenant. I must shut up my prize.” Je dois fermer mon prix.

We all withdrew.

Mr. Rochester stayed a moment behind us, to give some further order to Grace Poole. The solicitor addressed me as he descended the stair.

“You, madam,” said he, “are cleared from all blame: your uncle will be glad to hear it—if, indeed, he should be still living—when Mr. Mason returns to Madeira.” «Vous, Madame, dit-il, êtes dégagée de tout blâme: votre oncle sera heureux de l'entendre - si, en effet, il doit encore vivre - lorsque M. Mason reviendra à Madère.

“My uncle!

What of him? Do you know him?”

“Mr.

Mason does. Mr. Eyre has been the Funchal correspondent of his house for some years. M. Eyre est le correspondant de Funchal de sa maison depuis quelques années. When your uncle received your letter intimating the contemplated union between yourself and Mr. Rochester, Mr. Mason, who was staying at Madeira to recruit his health, on his way back to Jamaica, happened to be with him. Lorsque votre oncle a reçu votre lettre vous informant de l'union envisagée entre vous et M. Rochester, M. Mason, qui séjournait à Madère pour recruter sa santé, sur le chemin du retour en Jamaïque, se trouvait avec lui. Mr. Eyre mentioned the intelligence; for he knew that my client here was acquainted with a gentleman of the name of Rochester. M. Eyre a mentionné l'intelligence; car il savait que mon client connaissait ici un monsieur du nom de Rochester. Mr. Mason, astonished and distressed as you may suppose, revealed the real state of matters. M. Mason, étonné et affligé comme vous pouvez le croire, a révélé l'état réel des choses. Your uncle, I am sorry to say, is now on a sick bed; from which, considering the nature of his disease—decline—and the stage it has reached, it is unlikely he will ever rise. Votre oncle, j'ai le regret de vous le dire, est maintenant sur un lit de malade, d'où, compte tenu de la nature de sa maladie - le déclin - et du stade qu'elle a atteint, il est peu probable qu'il se relève un jour. He could not then hasten to England himself, to extricate you from the snare into which you had fallen, but he implored Mr. Mason to lose no time in taking steps to prevent the false marriage. Il ne pouvait alors se hâter lui-même en Angleterre pour vous sortir du piège dans lequel vous étiez tombé, mais il implorait M. Mason de ne pas perdre de temps à prendre des mesures pour empêcher le faux mariage. He referred him to me for assistance. Il l'a référé à moi pour obtenir de l'aide. I used all despatch, and am thankful I was not too late: as you, doubtless, must be also. J'ai utilisé tous les envois, et je suis reconnaissant de ne pas être arrivé trop tard: comme vous, sans doute, devez l'être aussi. Were I not morally certain that your uncle will be dead ere you reach Madeira, I would advise you to accompany Mr. Mason back; but as it is, I think you had better remain in England till you can hear further, either from or of Mr. Eyre. Si je ne suis pas moralement certain que votre oncle sera mort avant votre arrivée à Madère, je vous conseillerais d'accompagner M. Mason; mais comme il est, je pense que vous feriez mieux de rester en Angleterre jusqu'à ce que vous puissiez entendre davantage, soit de ou de M. Eyre. Have we anything else to stay for?” he inquired of Mr. Mason. Have we anything else to stay for?” he inquired of Mr. Mason. Avons-nous autre chose pour quoi rester? il a demandé à M. Mason.

“No, no—let us be gone,” was the anxious reply; and without waiting to take leave of Mr. Rochester, they made their exit at the hall door. “No, no—let us be gone,” was the anxious reply; and without waiting to take leave of Mr. Rochester, they made their exit at the hall door. "Non, non, partons", fut la réponse anxieuse ; et sans attendre de prendre congé de M. Rochester, ils sortirent par la porte du hall.

The clergyman stayed to exchange a few sentences, either of admonition or reproof, with his haughty parishioner; this duty done, he too departed. The clergyman stayed to exchange a few sentences, either of admonition or reproof, with his haughty parishioner; this duty done, he too departed. Le pasteur est resté pour échanger quelques phrases, soit d'avertissement ou de réprimande, avec son paroissien hautain; ce devoir accompli, il partit aussi.

I heard him go as I stood at the half-open door of my own room, to which I had now withdrawn. Je l'ai entendu partir alors que je me tenais à la porte entrouverte de ma propre chambre, dans laquelle je m'étais maintenant retiré.

The house cleared, I shut myself in, fastened the bolt that none might intrude, and proceeded—not to weep, not to mourn, I was yet too calm for that, but—mechanically to take off the wedding dress, and replace it by the stuff gown I had worn yesterday, as I thought, for the last time. La maison s'éclaircit, je m'enfermai, fermai le verrou que personne ne pouvait empiéter, et procédai - ne pas pleurer, ne pas pleurer, j'étais encore trop calme pour cela, mais - enlever mécaniquement la robe de mariée, et la remplacer par la robe étoffe que j'avais portée hier, comme je le pensais, pour la dernière fois. I then sat down: I felt weak and tired. I leaned my arms on a table, and my head dropped on them. And now I thought: till now I had only heard, seen, moved—followed up and down where I was led or dragged—watched event rush on event, disclosure open beyond disclosure: but now , I thought . Et maintenant je pensais: jusqu'à présent, je n'avais entendu, vu, déplacé - suivi de haut en bas là où j'étais conduit ou traîné - regardé l'événement se précipiter sur l'événement, la divulgation ouverte au-delà de la divulgation: mais maintenant, j'ai pensé.

The morning had been a quiet morning enough—all except the brief scene with the lunatic: the transaction in the church had not been noisy; there was no explosion of passion, no loud altercation, no dispute, no defiance or challenge, no tears, no sobs: a few words had been spoken, a calmly pronounced objection to the marriage made; some stern, short questions put by Mr. Rochester; answers, explanations given, evidence adduced; an open admission of the truth had been uttered by my master; then the living proof had been seen; the intruders were gone, and all was over. La matinée avait été assez calme - tout sauf la brève scène avec le fou: la transaction dans l'église n'avait pas été bruyante; il n'y avait pas d'explosion de passion, pas de bruyante altercation, pas de dispute, pas de défi ni de défi, pas de larmes, pas de sanglots: quelques mots avaient été prononcés, une objection au mariage calmement prononcée; quelques questions brèves et sévères posées par M. Rochester; réponses, explications données, preuves produites; un aveu ouvert de la vérité avait été prononcé par mon maître; alors la preuve vivante avait été vue; les intrus étaient partis, et tout était fini.

I was in my own room as usual—just myself, without obvious change: nothing had smitten me, or scathed me, or maimed me. J'étais dans ma propre chambre comme d'habitude - juste moi-même, sans changement évident: rien ne m'avait frappé, ni blessé, ni mutilé.

And yet where was the Jane Eyre of yesterday?—where was her life?—where were her prospects? Et pourtant, où était la Jane Eyre d'hier? - où était sa vie? - où étaient ses perspectives?

Jane Eyre, who had been an ardent, expectant woman—almost a bride, was a cold, solitary girl again: her life was pale; her prospects were desolate.

A Christmas frost had come at midsummer; a white December storm had whirled over June; ice glazed the ripe apples, drifts crushed the blowing roses; on hayfield and cornfield lay a frozen shroud: lanes which last night blushed full of flowers, to-day were pathless with untrodden snow; and the woods, which twelve hours since waved leafy and flagrant as groves between the tropics, now spread, waste, wild, and white as pine-forests in wintry Norway. Un gel de Noël était venu au milieu de l'été; une tempête blanche de décembre avait tournoyé sur juin; la glace glaçait les pommes mûres, les dérives écrasaient les roses qui soufflaient; sur un champ de foin et de maïs, il y avait un linceul gelé: des ruelles qui, la nuit dernière, rougissaient de fleurs, étaient aujourd'hui sans chemin avec de la neige vierge; et les bois, qui depuis douze heures ondulaient feuillus et flagrants comme des bosquets entre les tropiques, s'étalaient maintenant, déserts, sauvages et blancs comme des forêts de pins dans la Norvège hivernale. My hopes were all dead—struck with a subtle doom, such as, in one night, fell on all the first-born in the land of Egypt. Mes espoirs étaient tous morts - frappés d'un malheur subtil, comme, en une nuit, tombé sur tous les premiers-nés du pays d'Égypte. I looked on my cherished wishes, yesterday so blooming and glowing; they lay stark, chill, livid corpses that could never revive. J'ai regardé mes souhaits chéris, hier si florissants et brillants; ils gisaient des cadavres austères, froids et livides qui ne pourraient jamais se relancer. I looked at my love: that feeling which was my master's—which he had created; it shivered in my heart, like a suffering child in a cold cradle; sickness and anguish had seized it; it could not seek Mr. Rochester's arms—it could not derive warmth from his breast. J'ai regardé mon amour: ce sentiment qui était celui de mon maître, qu'il avait créé; il frissonna dans mon cœur, comme un enfant souffrant dans un berceau froid; la maladie et l'angoisse l'avaient saisi; il ne pouvait pas chercher les bras de M. Rochester, il ne pouvait pas tirer la chaleur de sa poitrine. Oh, never more could it turn to him; for faith was blighted—confidence destroyed! Oh, cela ne pourrait plus jamais se tourner vers lui; car la foi était ternie, la confiance détruite! Mr. Rochester was not to me what he had been; for he was not what I had thought him. M. Rochester n'était plus pour moi ce qu'il avait été, car il n'était pas ce que j'avais pensé de lui. I would not ascribe vice to him; I would not say he had betrayed me; but the attribute of stainless truth was gone from his idea, and from his presence I must go: that I perceived well. Je ne lui attribuerais pas de vice; Je ne dirais pas qu'il m'avait trahi; mais l'attribut de vérité inoxydable avait disparu de son idée, et de sa présence je dois partir: cela que j'ai bien perçu. When—how—whither, I could not yet discern; but he himself, I doubted not, would hurry me from Thornfield. When—how—whither, I could not yet discern; but he himself, I doubted not, would hurry me from Thornfield. Quand - comment - où, je ne pouvais pas encore discerner; mais lui-même, je n'en doutais pas, me précipiterait de Thornfield. Real affection, it seemed, he could not have for me; it had been only fitful passion: that was balked; he would want me no more. Real affection, it seemed, he could not have for me; it had been only fitful passion: that was balked; he would want me no more. Une vraie affection, semblait-il, il ne pouvait pas avoir pour moi; ce n'était qu'une passion agitée: cela a été refusé; il ne voudrait plus de moi. I should fear even to cross his path now: my view must be hateful to him. I should fear even to cross his path now: my view must be hateful to him. Je devrais même craindre de croiser son chemin maintenant: mon point de vue doit lui être odieux. Oh, how blind had been my eyes! How weak my conduct!

My eyes were covered and closed: eddying darkness seemed to swim round me, and reflection came in as black and confused a flow. My eyes were covered and closed: eddying darkness seemed to swim round me, and reflection came in as black and confused a flow. Mes yeux étaient couverts et fermés: des ténèbres tourbillonnantes semblaient nager autour de moi, et un reflet est venu comme un flux noir et confus.

Self-abandoned, relaxed, and effortless, I seemed to have laid me down in the dried-up bed of a great river; I heard a flood loosened in remote mountains, and felt the torrent come: to rise I had no will, to flee I had no strength. Abandonné, détendu et sans effort, il me semblait m'être couché dans le lit desséché d'une grande rivière; J'entendis un déluge se desserrer dans des montagnes reculées et sentis venir le torrent: pour me lever je n'avais aucune volonté, pour fuir je n'avais aucune force. I lay faint, longing to be dead. Je m'évanouis, désireux d'être mort. One idea only still throbbed life-like within me—a remembrance of God: it begot an unuttered prayer: these words went wandering up and down in my rayless mind, as something that should be whispered, but no energy was found to express them— Une seule idée palpitait encore comme la vie en moi - un souvenir de Dieu: il a engendré une prière ininterrompue: ces mots allaient et venaient dans mon esprit sans rayons, comme quelque chose qui devait être murmuré, mais aucune énergie n'a été trouvée pour les exprimer -

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near: there is none to help.” "Ne soyez pas loin de moi, car les ennuis sont proches: il n'y en a pas pour aider."

It was near: and as I had lifted no petition to Heaven to avert it—as I had neither joined my hands, nor bent my knees, nor moved my lips—it came: in full heavy swing the torrent poured over me. Il était proche: et comme je n'avais soulevé aucune pétition au ciel pour l'éviter - comme je n'avais ni joint les mains, ni plié les genoux, ni bougé les lèvres - il vint: en plein mouvement, le torrent se déversa sur moi.

The whole consciousness of my life lorn, my love lost, my hope quenched, my faith death-struck, swayed full and mighty above me in one sullen mass. Toute la conscience de ma vie perdue, mon amour perdu, mon espoir éteint, ma foi meurtrie, se balança pleinement et puissamment au-dessus de moi en une masse maussade. That bitter hour cannot be described: in truth, “the waters came into my soul; I sank in deep mire: I felt no standing; I came into deep waters; the floods overflowed me.” Cette heure amère ne peut être décrite: en vérité, «les eaux sont entrées dans mon âme; Je m'enfonçai dans la boue profonde: je ne me sentais pas debout; Je suis entré dans les eaux profondes; les inondations m'ont débordé.