I sat down near him，but told him I could not eat.

"Is it because you have the prospect of a journey before you，Jane?

Is it the thoughts of going to London that takes away your appetite?"

"I cannot see my prospects clearly to-night，sir; and I hardly know what thoughts I have in my head. Everything in life seems unreal."

"Except me: I am substantial enough- touch me."

"You，sir，are the most phantom-like of all: you are a mere dream."

He held out his hand，laughing. "Is that a dream?" said he，placing it close to my eyes. He had a rounded，muscular，and vigorous hand，as well as a long，strong arm.

"Yes; though I touch it，it is a dream," said I，as I put it down from before my face. "Sir，have you finished supper?"

"Yes，Jane."

I rang the bell and ordered away the tray. When we were again alone，I stirred the fire，and then took a low seat at my master"s knee.

"It is near midnight," I said.

"Yes: but remember，Jane，you promised to wake with me the night before my wedding."

"I did; and I will keep my promise，for an hour or two at least: I have no wish to go to bed."

"Are all your arrangements plete?"

"All，sir."

"And on my part likewise," he returned，"I have settled everything; and we shall leave Thornfield to-morrow，within half an hour after our return from church."

"Very well，sir."

"With what an extraordinary smile you uttered that word- "very well," Jane! What a bright spot of colour you have on each cheek! and how strangely your eyes glitter! Are you well?"

"I believe I am."