otions shall not be shared between me and the shape he sees in his mirror。 Mr。 Rochester； now sing； and I will play for you。”
“I am all obedience；” was the response。
“Here then is a Corsair…song。 Know that I doat on Corsairs； and for that reason； sing it con spirito。”
“mands from Miss Ingram’s lips would put spirit into a mug of milk and water。”
“Take care； then： if you don’t please me； I will shame you by showing how such things should be done。”
“That is offering a premium on incapacity： I shall now endeavour to fail。”
“Gardez…vous en bien！ If you err wilfully； I shall devise a proportionate punishment。”
“Miss Ingram ought to be clement； for she has it in her power to inflict a chastisement beyond mortal endurance。”
“Ha！ explain！” manded the lady。
“Pardon me； madam： no need of explanation； your own fine sense must inform you that one of your frowns would be a sufficient substitute for capital punishment。”
“Sing！” said she； and again touching the piano； she menced an acpaniment in spirited style。
“Now is my time to slip away；” thought I： but the tones that then severed the air arrested me。 Mrs。 Fairfax had said Mr。 Rochester possessed a fine voice： he did—a mellow； powerful bass； into which he threw his own feeling； his own force； finding a way through the ear to the heart； and there waking sensation strangely。 I waited till the last deep and full vibration had expired—till the tide of talk； checked an instant； had resumed its floy sheltered corner and made my exit by the side…door； which was fortunately near。 Thence a narrow passage led into the hall： in crossing it； I perceived my sandal was loose； I stopped to tie it； kneeling down for that purpose on the mat at the foot of the staircase