nude oil painting

'I ask you to pass through life at my side- to be my second self,
and best earthly companion.'
'For that fate you have already made your choice, and must abide by
it.'
'Jane, be still a few moments: you are over-excited: I will be
still too.'
A waft of wind came sweeping down the laurel-walk and trembled
through the boughs of the chestnut: it wandered away- away- to an
indefinite distance- it died. The nightingale's song was then the only
voice of the hour: in listening to it, I again wept. Mr. Rochester sat
quiet, looking at me gently and seriously. Some time passed before
he spoke; he at last said-
'Come to my side, Jane, and let us explain and understand one
another.'
'I will never again come to your side: I am torn away now, and
cannot return.'
'But, Jane, I summon you as my wife: it is you only I intend to
marry.'
I was silent: I thought he mocked me.