"But,Jane,your aspirations after family ties and domestic happiness may be realised otherwise than by the means you contemplate: you may marry."
"Nonsense,again! Marry! I don"t want to marry,and never shall marry."
"That is saying too much: such hazardous affirmations are a proof of the excitement under which you labour."
"It is not saying too much: I know what I feel,and how averse are my inclinations to the bare thought of marriage. No one would take me for love; and I will not be regarded in the light of a mere money speculation. And I do not want a stranger- unsympathising,alien,different from me; I want my kindred: those with whom I have full fellow-feeling. Say again you will be my brother: when you uttered the words I was satisfied,happy; repeat them,if you can,repeat them sincerely."
"I think I can. I know I have always loved my own sisters; and I know on what my affection for them is grounded,- respect for their worth and admiration of their talents. You too have principle and mind: your tastes and habits resemble Diana"s and Mary"s; your presence is always agreeable to me; in your conversation I have already for some time found a salutary solace. I feel I can easily and naturally make room in my heart for you,as my third and youngest sister."
"Thank you: that contents me for to-night. Now you had better go; for if you stay longer,you will perhaps irritate me afresh by some mistrustful scruple."
"And the school,Miss Eyre? It must now be shut up,I suppose?"