Rochester

I know you; you're thinking. Talking is of no use, you're thinking how to act.

Jane

All has changed sir. I must leave you.

Rochester

No. No. Jane do you love me.

Rochester

Then the essential things are the same. Be my wife.

Jane

You have a wife.

Rochester

I pledge you my honor, my fidelity...

Jane

You cannot.

Rochester

...my love until death do us part.

Jane

What of truth?

Rochester

I would have told you the truth.

Jane

You are deceitful sir.

Rochester

I was wrong to deceive you. I see that now, it was cowardly. I should have appealed to your spirit as I do now. Bertha Antoinette Mason, she was wanted by my father for her fortune. I hardly spoke with her before the wedding. I lived with her for 4 years. Her temper ripened, her vices sprang up, violent and unchaste. Only cruelty would check her and I'd not use cruelty. I was chained to her for life Jane. Not even the law could free me. Have you ever set foot in a mad house Jane?

Jane

No sir.

Rochester

The inmates are caged and baited like beasts. I spared her that at least. Jane?

Jane

Yes I pity you sir.

Rochester

Who would you offend by living with me? Who would care?

Jane

I would.

Rochester

You would rather drive me to madness than break some mere human law.

Jane

I must respect myself.

Rochester

Listen to me. Listen. I could bend you with my finger and my thumb. A mere reed you feel in my hands. But whatever I do with this cage, I cannot get at you, and it is your soul that I want. Why can't you come of your own free will?

Jane

God help me.