Jane Eyre (excerpt - Chapter 26)
Charlotte Brontë, 1847 (10 ns.)
Jane Eyre was written by Charlotte Brontë and published in 1847. In the novel, Brontë tells the
5 story of the orphaned Jane Eyre, who is raised by her wealthy but also cruel aunt. At the age of
ten she is sent away to the religious boarding school Lowood. Even though life is also hard at
Lowood, Jane becomes an excellent student and a teacher herself. When she is 18 years old,
she leaves Lowood and starts working as a governess at Thornfield Hall, which is owned by the
rich Mr. Edward Rochester. Jane secretly falls in love with Rochester who to her big surprise
10 proposes to Jane. In this excerpt of the novel, it is the wedding day of Rochester and Jane.
Chapter 26
Sophie came at seven to dress me: she was very long indeed in accomplishing1 her task; so
long that Mr. Rochester, grown, I suppose, impatient of my delay, sent up to ask why I did not
15 come. She was just fastening my veil2 (the plain square of blond after all) to my hair with a
brooch3; I hurried from under her hands as soon as I could.
"Stop!" she cried in French. "Look at yourself in the mirror: you have not taken one peep."
So I turned at the door: I saw a robed and veiled figure, so unlike my usual self that it
seemed almost the image of a stranger. "Jane!" called a voice, and I hastened down. I was
20 received at the foot of the stairs by Mr. Rochester.
"Lingerer4!" he said, "my brain is on fire with impatience, and you tarry5 so long!"
He took me into the dining-room, surveyed me keenly6 all over, pronounced me "fair as a
lily, and not only the pride of his life, but the desire of his eyes," and then telling me he would
give me but ten minutes to eat some breakfast, he rang the bell. One of his lately7 hired
25 servants, a footman, answered it.
"Is John getting the carriage ready?"
"Yes, sir."
"Is the luggage brought down?"
"They are bringing it down, sir."
30
"Go you to the church: see if Mr. Wood (the clergyman8) and the clerk9 are there: return
and tell me."
The church, as the reader knows, was but just beyond the gates; the footman10 soon
returned.
"Mr. Wood is in the vestry11, sir, putting on his surplice12."
35
"And the carriage?"
"The horses are harnessing13."
"We shall not want it to go to church; but it must be ready the moment we return: all the
boxes and luggage arranged and strapped on, and the coachman in his seat."
"Yes, sir."
40
"Jane, are you ready?"
I rose. There were no groomsmen14, no bridesmaids, no relatives to wait for or marshal15:
none but Mr. Rochester and I. Mrs. Fairfax stood in the hall as we passed. I would fain16 have
spoken to her, but my hand was held by a grasp of iron: I was hurried along by a stride17 I could
hardly follow; and to look at Mr. Rochester's face was to feel that not a second of delay would
45 be tolerated for any purpose. I wonder what other bridegroom ever looked as he did – so bent
up to a purpose, so grimly18 resolute: or who, under such steadfast19 brows, ever revealed such
flaming and flashing eyes.
I know not whether the day was fair or foul20; in descending the drive, I gazed neither on
sky nor earth: my heart was with my eyes; and both seemed migrated21 into Mr. Rochester's
50 frame. I wanted to see the invisible thing on which, as we went along, he appeared to fasten a
glance fierce and fell22. I wanted to feel the thoughts whose force he seemed breasting23 and
resisting.
At the churchyard wicket24 he stopped: he discovered I was quite out of breath. "Am I
cruel in my love?" he said. "Delay an instant: lean on me, Jane."
55
And now I can recall the picture of the grey old house of God rising calm before me, of a
rook25 wheeling round the steeple26, of a ruddy27 morning sky beyond. I remember something,
too, of the green grave-mounds28; and I have not forgotten, either, two figures of strangers
straying29 amongst the low hillocks30 and reading the mementoes graven31 on the few mossy
head-stones. I noticed them, because, as they saw us, they passed round to the back of the
60 church; and I doubted not they were going to enter by the side-aisle door32 and witness the
ceremony. By Mr. Rochester they were not observed; he was earnestly looking at my face from
which the blood had, I daresay, momentarily fled: for I felt my forehead dewy33, and my cheeks
and lips cold. When I rallied34, which I soon did, he walked gently with me up the path to the
porch.
65
We entered the quiet and humble temple; the priest waited in his white surplice35 at the
lowly36 altar, the clerk beside him. All was still: two shadows only moved in a remote corner.
My conjecture37 had been correct: the strangers had slipped in before us, and they now stood
by the vault38 of the Rochesters, their backs towards us, viewing through the rails 39 the old
time-stained marble tomb40, where a kneeling angel guarded the remains of Damer de
70 Rochester, slain41 at Marston Moor in the time of the civil wars, and of Elizabeth, his wife.
Our place was taken at the communion rails42. Hearing a cautious step behind me, I
glanced over my shoulder: one of the strangers – a gentleman, evidently – was advancing up
the chancel43. The service began. The explanation of the intent of matrimony44 was gone
through; and then the clergyman came a step further forward, and, bending slightly towards
75 Mr. Rochester, went on.
"I require and charge you both (as ye45 will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when
the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed46), that if either of you know any impediment47 why
ye may not lawfully be joined together in matrimony, ye do now confess it; for be ye well
assured that so many as are coupled together otherwise than God's Word doth48 allow, are not
80 joined together by God, neither is their matrimony lawful."
He paused, as the custom is. When is the pause after that sentence ever broken by reply?
Not, perhaps, once in a hundred years. And the clergyman, who had not lifted his eyes from his
book, and had held his breath but for a moment, was proceeding49: his hand was already
stretched towards Mr. Rochester, as his lips unclosed to ask, "Wilt50 thou51 have this woman
85 for thy wedded wife?" – when a distinct and near voice said –
"The marriage cannot go on: I declare the existence of an impediment."
The clergyman looked up at the speaker and stood mute52; the clerk did the same; Mr.
Rochester moved slightly, as if an earthquake had rolled under his feet: taking a firmer footing53,
and not turning his head or eyes, he said, "Proceed."
90
Profound54 silence fell when he had uttered that word, with deep but low intonation.
Presently Mr. Wood said –
"I cannot proceed without some investigation into what has been asserted55, and evidence
of its truth or falsehood."
"The ceremony is quite broken off," subjoined56 the voice behind us. "I am in a condition
95 to prove my allegation57: an insuperable58 impediment to this marriage exists."
Mr. Rochester heard, but heeded59 not: he stood stubborn and rigid, making no
movement but to possess himself of my hand. What a hot and strong grasp he had! and how
like quarried60 marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! How his eye shone, still
watchful, and yet wild beneath!
100
Mr. Wood seemed at a loss. "What is the nature of the impediment?" he asked. "Perhaps
it may be got over – explained away?"
"Hardly," was the answer. "I have called it insuperable, and I speak advisedly61."
The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails. He continued, uttering each word
distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly –
105
"It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. Mr. Rochester has a wife now
living."
My nerves vibrated to those low-spoken words as they had never vibrated to thunder –
my blood felt their subtle62 violence as it had never felt frost or fire; but I was collected63, and
in no danger of swooning64. I looked at Mr. Rochester: I made him look at me. His whole face
110 was colourless rock: his eye was both spark65 and flint66. He disavowed67 nothing: he seemed
as if he would defy68 all things. Without speaking, without smiling, without seeming to
recognise in me a human being, he only twined69 my waist with his arm and riveted70 me to his
side.
"Who are you?" he asked of the intruder71.
115
"My name is Briggs, a solicitor of -- Street, London."
"And you would thrust on72 me a wife?"
"I would remind you of your lady's existence, sir, which the law recognises, if you do not."
"Favour me with an account73 of her – with her name, her parentage74, her place of abode75.
"
120
"Certainly." Mr. Briggs calmly took a paper from his pocket, and read out in a sort of
official, nasal voice: –
"'I affirm and can prove that on the 20th of October A.D.76 -- (a date of fifteen years back),
Edward Fairfax Rochester, of Thornfield Hall, in the county77 of --, and of Ferndean Manor, in -shire, England, was married to my sister, Bertha Antoinetta Mason, daughter of Jonas Mason,
125 merchant, and of Antoinetta his wife, a Creole, at -- church, Spanish Town, Jamaica. The record78
of the marriage will be found in the register of that church – a copy of it is now in my
possession. Signed, Richard Mason.'"
"That – if a genuine79 document – may prove I have been married, but it does not prove
that the woman mentioned therein80 as my wife is still living."
130
"She was living three months ago," returned the lawyer.
"How do you know?"
"I have a witness to the fact, whose testimony81 even you, sir, will scarcely controvert82."
"Produce him – or go to hell."
"I will produce him first – he is on the spot. Mr. Mason, have the goodness to step
135 forward."
Mr. Rochester, on hearing the name, set his teeth83; he experienced, too, a sort of strong
convulsive84 quiver85; near to him as I was, I felt the spasmodic86 movement of fury or despair
run through his frame87. The second stranger, who had hitherto88 lingered89 in the background,
now drew near; a pale face looked over the solicitor's shoulder – yes, it was Mason himself.
140 Mr. Rochester turned and glared at him. His eye, as I have often said, was a black eye: it had
now a tawny90, nay91, a bloody light in its gloom; and his face flushed – olive cheek and hueless92
forehead received a glow as from spreading, ascending93 heart-fire: and he stirred, lifted his
strong arm – he could have struck Mason, dashed him on the church-floor, shocked by ruthless94
blow the breath from his body – but Mason shrank away, and cried faintly95, "Good God!"
145 Contempt96 fell cool on Mr. Rochester – his passion died as if a blight97 had shrivelled98 it up:
he only asked – "What have YOU to say?"
An inaudible reply escaped Mason's white lips.
"The devil is in it if you cannot answer distinctly. I again demand, what have you to say?"
"Sir – sir," interrupted the clergyman, "do not forget you are in a sacred place." Then
150 addressing99 Mason, he inquired gently, "Are you aware, sir, whether or not this gentleman's
wife is still living?"
"Courage," urged100 the lawyer, – "speak out."
"She is now living at Thornfield Hall," said Mason, in more articulate tones: "I saw her
there last April. I am her brother."
155
"At Thornfield Hall!" ejaculated101 the clergyman. "Impossible! I am an old resident in this
neighbourhood, sir, and I never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at Thornfield Hall."
I saw a grim smile contort102 Mr. Rochester's lips, and he muttered103 –
"No, by God! I took care that none should hear of it – or of her under that name." He
mused104 – for ten minutes he held counsel with himself: he formed his resolve105, and
160 announced it –
"Enough! all shall bolt out106 at once, like the bullet from the barrel107. Wood, close your
book and take off your surplice; John Green (to the clerk), leave the church: there will be no
wedding to-day." The man obeyed.
Mr. Rochester continued, hardily and recklessly: "Bigamy is an ugly word! – I meant,
165 however, to be a bigamist; but fate has out-manoeuvred108 me, or Providence109 has checked110
me, – perhaps the last. I am little better than a devil at this moment; and, as my pastor there
would tell me, deserve no doubt the sternest111 judgments of God, even to the quenchless112
fire and deathless worm. Gentlemen, my plan is broken up: – what this lawyer and his client
say is true: I have been married, and the woman to whom I was married lives! You say you
170 never heard of a Mrs. Rochester at the house up yonder113, Wood; but I daresay you have
many a time inclined your ear to gossip about the mysterious lunatic kept there under watch
and ward114. Some have whispered to you that she is my bastard half-sister: some, my cast-off115
mistress. I now inform you that she is my wife, whom I married fifteen years ago, – Bertha
Mason by name; sister of this resolute personage, who is now, with his quivering limbs and
175 white cheeks, showing you what a stout116 heart men may bear. Cheer up, Dick! – never fear
me! – I'd almost as soon strike a woman as you. Bertha Mason is mad; and she came of a mad
family; idiots and maniacs through three generations! Her mother, the Creole 117, was both a
madwoman and a drunkard! – as I found out after I had wed the daughter: for they were silent
on family secrets before. Bertha, like a dutiful child, copied her parent in both points. I had a
180 charming partner – pure, wise, modest118: you can fancy I was a happy man. I went through
rich scenes! Oh! my experience has been heavenly, if you only knew it! But I owe you no
further explanation. Briggs, Wood, Mason, I invite you all to come up to the house and visit
Mrs. Poole's patient, and MY WIFE! You shall see what sort of a being I was cheated into
espousing119, and judge whether or not I had a right to break the compact120, and seek
185 sympathy with something at least human. This girl," he continued, looking at me, "knew no
more than you, Wood, of the disgusting secret: she thought all was fair and legal and never
dreamt she was going to be entrapped121 into a feigned122 union with a defrauded123 wretch124,
already bound to a bad, mad, and embruted125 partner! Come all of you – follow!"
Still holding me fast, he left the church: the three gentlemen came after. At the front door
190 of the hall we found the carriage.
"Take it back to the coach-house, John," said Mr. Rochester coolly; "it will not be wanted
to-day."
At our entrance, Mrs. Fairfax, Adele, Sophie, Leah, advanced to meet and greet us.
"To the right-about – every soul!" cried the master; "away with your congratulations! Who
195 wants them? Not I! – they are fifteen years too late!"
He passed on and ascended the stairs, still holding my hand, and still beckoning126 the
gentlemen to follow him, which they did. We mounted127 the first staircase, passed up the
gallery128, proceeded to the third storey: the low, black door, opened by Mr. Rochester's
master-key, admitted us to the tapestried129 room, with its great bed and its pictorial cabinet.
200
"You know this place, Mason," said our guide; "she bit and stabbed130 you here."
He lifted the hangings131 from the wall, uncovering the second door: this, too, he opened.
In a room without a window, there burnt a fire guarded by a high and strong fender132, and a
lamp suspended133 from the ceiling by a chain. Grace Poole bent over the fire, apparently
cooking something in a saucepan. In the deep shade, at the farther end of the room, a figure
205 ran backwards and forwards. What it was, whether beast or human being, one could not, at
first sight, tell: it grovelled134, seemingly135, on all fours; it snatched136 and growled137 like some
strange wild animal: but it was covered with clothing, and a quantity of dark, grizzled138 hair,
wild as a mane139, hid its head and face.
"Good-morrow, Mrs. Poole!" said Mr. Rochester. "How are you? and how is your charge140
210 to-day?"
"We're tolerable, sir, I thank you," replied Grace, lifting the boiling mess carefully on to
the hob141: "rather snappish142, but not 'rageous143."
A fierce144 cry seemed to give the lie145 to her favourable report: the clothed hyena rose
up, and stood tall on its hind-feet146.
215
"Ah! sir, she sees you!" exclaimed Grace: "you'd better not stay."
"Only a few moments, Grace: you must allow me a few moments."
"Take care then, sir! – for God's sake, take care!"
The maniac bellowed147: she parted her shaggy148 locks from her visage149, and gazed
wildly at her visitors. I recognised well that purple face, – those bloated150 features151. Mrs.
220 Poole advanced.
"Keep out of the way," said Mr. Rochester, thrusting152 her aside: "she has no knife now, I
suppose, and I'm on my guard."
"One never knows what she has, sir: she is so cunning153: it is not in mortal discretion154 to
fathom155 her craft156."
225
"We had better leave her," whispered Mason.
"Go to the devil!" was his brother-in-law's recommendation.
"'Ware157!" cried Grace. The three gentlemen retreated158 simultaneously. Mr. Rochester
flung me behind him: the lunatic sprang and grappled159 his throat viciously160, and laid her
teeth to his cheek: they struggled. She was a big woman, in stature almost equalling her
230 husband, and corpulent161 besides: she showed virile162 force in the contest – more than once
she almost throttled163 him, athletic as he was. He could have settled her with a well-planted164
blow165; but he would not strike: he would only wrestle166. At last he mastered her arms; Grace
Poole gave him a cord167, and he pinioned168 them behind her: with more rope, which was at
hand, he bound her to a chair. The operation was performed amidst169 the fiercest yells and
235 the most convulsive plunges170. Mr. Rochester then turned to the spectators: he looked at
them with a smile both acrid171 and desolate172.
"That is MY WIFE," said he. "Such is the sole173 conjugal174 embrace I am ever to know –
such are the endearments175 which are to solace176 my leisure hours! And THIS is what I wished
to have" (laying his hand on my shoulder): "this young girl, who stands so grave and quiet at
240 the mouth of hell, looking collectedly177 at the gambols178 of a demon, I wanted her just as a
change after that fierce ragout179. Wood and Briggs, look at the difference! Compare these
clear eyes with the red balls yonder – this face with that mask – this form with that bulk180;
then judge me, priest of the gospel and man of the law, and remember with what judgment ye
judge ye shall be judged! Off with you now. I must shut up my prize."
245
We all withdrew181. Mr. Rochester stayed a moment behind us, to give some further order
to Grace Poole. The solicitor addressed me as he descended the stair.
"You, madam," said he, "are cleared from all blame: your uncle will be glad to hear it – if,
indeed, he should be still living – when Mr. Mason returns to Madeira."
"My uncle! What of him? Do you know him?"
250
"Mr. Mason does. Mr. Eyre has been the Funchal182 correspondent of his house for some
years. When your uncle received your letter intimating183 the contemplated184 union between
yourself and Mr. Rochester, Mr. Mason, who was staying at Madeira to recruit185 his health, on
his way back to Jamaica, happened to be with him. Mr. Eyre mentioned the intelligence186; for
he knew that my client here was acquainted with187 a gentleman of the name of Rochester.
255 Mr. Mason, astonished and distressed188 as you may suppose, revealed the real state of
matters189. Your uncle, I am sorry to say, is now on a sick bed; from which, considering the
nature of his disease – decline190 – and the stage it has reached, it is unlikely191 he will ever
rise. He could not then hasten to England himself, to extricate192 you from the snare193 into
which you had fallen, but he implored194 Mr. Mason to lose no time in taking steps to prevent
260 the false marriage. He referred195 him to me for assistance. I used all despatch196, and am
thankful I was not too late: as you, doubtless, must be also. Were I not morally certain that
your uncle will be dead ere you reach Madeira, I would advise you to accompany Mr. Mason
back; but as it is, I think you had better remain in England till you can hear further, either from
or of Mr. Eyre. Have we anything else to stay for?" he inquired of Mr. Mason.
265
"No, no – let us be gone," was the anxious reply; and without waiting to take leave of Mr.
Rochester, they made their exit at the hall door. The clergyman stayed to exchange a few
sentences, either of admonition197 or reproof198, with his haughty199 parishioner200; this duty
done, he too departed.
I heard him go as I stood at the half-open door of my own room, to which I had now
270 withdrawn. The house cleared, I shut myself in, fastened the bolt that none might intrude201,
and proceeded – not to weep, not to mourn202, I was yet too calm for that, but – mechanically
to take off the wedding dress, and replace it by the stuff gown203 I had worn yesterday, as I
thought, for the last time. I then sat down: I felt weak and tired. I leaned my arms on a table,
and my head dropped on them. And now I thought: till now I had only heard, seen, moved –
275 followed up and down where I was led or dragged – watched event rush on event, disclosure204
open beyond disclosure: but NOW, I THOUGHT.
The morning had been a quiet morning enough – all except the brief scene with the
lunatic: the transaction205 in the church had not been noisy; there was no explosion of passion,
no loud altercation206, no dispute, no defiance207 or challenge, no tears, no sobs: a few words
280 had been spoken, a calmly pronounced objection208 to the marriage made; some stern, short
questions put by Mr. Rochester; answers, explanations given, evidence adduced209; an open
admission of the truth had been uttered by my master; then the living proof had been seen;
the intruders were gone, and all was over.
I was in my own room as usual – just myself, without obvious change: nothing had smitten210
285 me, or scathed211 me, or maimed212 me. And yet where was the Jane Eyre of yesterday? –
where was her life? – where were her prospects213?
Jane Eyre, who had been an ardent214, expectant woman – almost a bride, was a cold,
solitary girl again: her life was pale; her prospects were desolate. A Christmas frost had come
at midsummer; a white December storm had whirled over June; ice glazed the ripe apples,
290 drifts215 crushed the blowing roses; on hayfield and cornfield lay a frozen shroud216: lanes
which last night blushed full of flowers, to-day were pathless with untrodden snow; and the
woods, which twelve hours since waved leafy and fragrant217 as groves218 between the tropics219,
now spread, waste, wild, and white as pine-forests220 in wintry Norway. My hopes were all
dead – struck with a subtle doom, such as, in one night, fell on all the first-born in the land of
295 Egypt. I looked on my cherished wishes, yesterday so blooming and glowing; they lay stark 221,
chill, livid222 corpses that could never revive. I looked at my love: that feeling which was my
master's – which he had created; it shivered in my heart, like a suffering child in a cold cradle;
sickness and anguish had seized it; it could not seek Mr. Rochester's arms – it could not derive223
warmth from his breast. Oh, never more could it turn to him; for faith was blighted224 –
300 confidence destroyed! Mr. Rochester was not to me what he had been; for he was not what I
had thought him. I would not ascribe225 vice226 to him; I would not say he had betrayed me; but
the attribute227 of stainless228 truth was gone from his idea, and from his presence I must go:
THAT I perceived well. When – how – whither, I could not yet discern; but he himself, I
doubted not, would hurry me from Thornfield. Real affection, it seemed, he could not have for
305 me; it had been only fitful passion: that was balked229; he would want me no more. I should
fear even to cross his path now: my view must be hateful to him. Oh, how blind had been my
eyes! How weak my conduct230!
My eyes were covered and closed: eddying231 darkness seemed to swim round me, and
reflection came in as black and confused a flow. Self-abandoned, relaxed, and effortless, I
310 seemed to have laid me down in the dried-up bed of a great river; I heard a flood loosened in
remote mountains, and felt the torrent232 come: to rise I had no will, to flee I had no strength. I
lay faint233, longing to be dead. One idea only still throbbed life-like within me – a
remembrance of God: it begot234 an unuttered prayer: these words went wandering up and
down in my rayless235 mind, as something that should be whispered, but no energy was found
315 to express them –
"Be not far from me, for trouble is near: there is none to help."
It was near: and as I had lifted no petition236 to Heaven to avert237 it – as I had neither
joined my hands, nor bent my knees, nor moved my lips – it came: in full heavy swing the
torrent poured over me. The whole consciousness of my life lorn238, my love lost, my hope
320 quenched239, my faith death-struck, swayed240 full and mighty above me in one sullen241 mass.
That bitter hour cannot be described: in truth, "the waters came into my soul; I sank in deep
mire242: I felt no standing; I came into deep waters; the floods overflowed me."
1accomplishing:
2veil:
udfore
slør
3brooch:
broche
4Lingerer:
5tarry:
en, der trækker tiden ud
lade vente på sig
6keenly:
7lately:
ivrigt
for nylig
8clergyman:
9clerk:
præst
assistent
10footman:
11vestry:
lakaj, tjener
sakristi
12surplice:
messesærk
13harnessing:
komme i seletøj
14groomsmen:
15marshal:
brudesvend
arrangere, stille op
16would
fain: ville gerne
17stride:
langt skridt
18grimly:
bistert
19steadfast:
20fair
or foul: godt eller dårligt vejr
21migrated:
22fell:
urokkelig
vandre, ga ind i
frygtelig, fæl
23breasting:
24wicket:
25rook:
byde trods
låge
råge
26steeple:
27ruddy:
kirketårn
rødlig
28mounds:
høj
29straying:
strejfe om
30hillocks:
31graven:
lille høj
indgraveret
32side-aisle
33dewy:
(her) våd af sved
34rallied:
komme til kræfter
35surplice:
36lowly:
door: døren i siden af kirken
messeskjorte
beskeden
37conjecture:
38vault:
39rails:
gæt
(grav)hvælving
gitterværk
40tomb:
41slain:
grav
(glds:) dræbt
42communion
43chancel:
kor (del af kirken)
44matrimony:
45ye:
rails: alterskranke
ægteskab
you
46disclosed:
afsløre
47impediment:
48doth:
does
49proceeding:
50Wilt:
fortsætte
will
51thou:
you
52mute:
53a
hindring
tavs
firmer footing: bedre fodfæste
54Profound:
55asserted:
dyb
påstå
56subjoined:
tilføje
57allegation:
påstand
58insuperable:
uovervindelig
59heeded:
give agt på
60quarried:
61I
gravet ud af et stenbrud
speak advisedly: jeg ved, hvad jeg taler om
62subtle:
63was
spidsfindig
collected: være i kontrol
64swooning:
65spark:
66flint:
besvime
slå gnister
hård
67disavowed:
68defy:
benægte
trodse
69twined:
(her) holde godt fast i
70riveted:
nagle, fastholde
71intruder:
72thrust
en, der afbryder
on: pådutte
73account:
beskrivelse
74parentage:
75abode:
76A.D.:
forældre
bolig
(Anno Domini) efter Kristus
77county:
amt
78record:
optegnelse
79genuine:
80therein:
ægte
deri
81testimony:
vidnesudsagn
82controvert:
83set
modsige
his teeth: bide tænderne sammen
84convulsive:
85quiver:
krampeagtig
rysten
86spasmodic:
87frame:
krop
krampeagtig
88hitherto:
hidtil
89lingered:
vente
90tawny:
91nay:
brunlig
no
92hueless:
bleg
93ascending:
94ruthless:
95faintly:
stige op
brutal
svagt
96Contempt:
97blight:
foragt
skimmel
98shrivelled:
få til at visne
99addressing:
100urged:
tale til
bede indtrængende
101ejaculated:
102contort:
forvrænge
103muttered:
104mused:
mumle
tænke grundigt
105resolve:
106bolt
udbryde
beslutning
out: skyde ud
107barrel:
(gevær)løb
108out-manoeuvred:
109Providence:
overliste
forsynet
110checked:
holde i skak
111sternest:
streng
112quenchless:
113yonder:
114ward:
derovre
opsyn
115cast-off:
116stout:
uudslukkelig
forkaste
standhaftig
117Creole:
kreol. Person fra Vestindien
118modest:
beskeden
119espousing:
120compact:
gifte sig med
overenskomst
121entrapped:
122feigned:
fanget
falsk
123defrauded:
124wretch:
bedragerisk
ulykkelig person
125embruted:
dyrisk
126beckoning:
give tegn
127mounted:
128gallery:
stige op ad
gang
129tapestried:
130stabbed:
stikke en kniv i
131hangings:
132fender:
med vægtæpper
gardin
kamingitter
133suspended:
134grovelled:
krybe
135seemingly:
136snatched:
137growled:
138grizzled:
139mane:
tilsyneladende
snappe
knurre
gråligt
manke
140charge:
141hob:
hænge ned fra
person i nogens varetægt
plade (til varme ting)
142snappish:
bidsk
143'rageous:
outrageous voldsomt
144fierce:
145give
kraftig
the lie: modsige
146hind-feet:
bagben
147bellowed:
brøle
148shaggy:
149visage:
uredt
ansigt
150bloated:
opsvulmet
151features:
træk
152thrusting:
153cunning:
154mortal
udspekuleret
discretion: (her) menneskeligt muligt
155fathom:
156craft:
skubbe
udregne
påfund
157Ware:
beware, pas på
158retreated:
træde tilbage
159grappled:
gribe ud efter
160viciously:
ondskabsfuldt equalling på højde med
161corpulent:
162virile:
kraftig
mandig
163throttled:
kvæle
164well-planted:
165blow:
slag
166wrestle:
167cord:
kæmpe
snor
168pinioned:
169amidst:
171acrid:
binde
midt i, under
170plunges:
spring
forbitret
172desolate:
173sole:
velanbragt
ulykkelig
eneste
174conjugal:
ægteskabelig
175endearments:
176solace:
trøst
177collectedly:
178gambols:
179ragout:
180bulk:
kærtegn
roligt, fattet
hop
(her) cocktail
bylt
181withdrew:
182Funchal:
trække sig tilbage
hovedstad på Madeira
183intimating:
antyde
184contemplated:
185recruit:
genvinde
186intelligence:
187was
planlagt
nyhed
acquainted with: kende
188distressed:
189state
bekymret
of matters: sagen
190decline:
svækkelse
191unlikely:
usandsynligt
192extricate:
193snare:
udfri
fælde
194implored:
195referred:
bønfalde
henvise
196despatch:
hast
197admonition:
198reproof:
irettesættelse
199haughty:
hovmodig
200parishioner:
201intrude:
202mourn:
203stuff
formaning
sognebarn
trænge ind
sørge
gown: stofkjole
204disclosure:
afsløring
205transaction:
begivenhed
206altercation:
skænderi
207defiance:
trods
208objection:
209adduced:
indvending
fremføre
210smitten:
ramme
211scathed:
skade
212maimed:
lemlæste
213prospects:
214ardent:
215drifts:
fremtidsudsigt
glødende
snedrive
216shroud:
klædestykke
217fragrant:
218groves:
velduftende
lund, lille skov
219between
the tropics: i troperne
220pine-forests:
221stark:
222livid:
nøgen
blygrå
223derive:
få
224blighted:
225ascribe:
226vice:
fyrretræsskov
fordærve
tilskrive
last
227attribute:
egenskab
228stainless:
pletfri
229balked:
standse brat
230conduct:
adfærd
231eddying:
hvirvlende
232torrent:
voldsomt regnskyl
233faint:
udmattet
234begot:
(af beget) avle
235rayless:
uden håb
236petition:
237avert:
238lorn:
bøn
undga
ensom
239quenched:
240swayed:
241sullen:
242mire:
slukke
svinge
dyster
dynd, søle