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view of him; they spontaneously arrived; green and strong! He made me love him without looking at me。
I pared him with his guests。 What was the gallant grace of the Lynns; the languid elegance of Lord Ingram;—even the military distinction of Colonel Dent; contrasted with his look of native pith and genuine power? I had no sympathy in their appearance; their expression: yet I could imagine that most observers would call them attractive; handsome; imposing; while they would pronounce Mr。 Rochester at once harsh…featured and melancholy…looking。 I saw them smile; laugh—it was nothing; the light of the candles had as much soul in it as their smile; the tinkle of the bell as much significance as their laugh。 I saw Mr。 Rochester smile:… his stern features softened; his eye grew both brilliant and gentle; its ray both searching and sweet。 He was talking; at the moment; to Louisa and Amy Eshton。 I wondered to see them receive with calm that look which seemed to me so perating: I expected their eyes to fall; their colour to rise under it; yet I was glad when I found they were in no sense moved。 “He is not to them what he is to me;” I thought: “he is not of their kind。 I believe he is of mine;—I am sure he is—I feel akin to him—I understand the language of his countenance and movements: though rank and wealth sever us widely; I have something in my brain and heart; in my blood and nerves; that assimilates me mentally to him。 Did I say; a few days since; that I had nothing to do with him but to receive my salary at his hands? Did I forbid myself to think of him in any other light than as a paymaster? Blasphemy against nature! Every good; true; vigorous feeling I have gathers impulsively round him。 I know I must conceal my sentiments: I must smother hope; I must remember