The Fortune Teller's Revelation — Jane Eyre

Jane enters the library to find the gypsy seated by the fire in a red cloak and black bonnet, reading from a little book. The woman confronts Jane with a bold gaze and declares that she is cold, sick, and silly: cold because she is alone, sick because love keeps far from her, silly because she will not move toward happiness within reach. Jane deflects, insisting she has no faith in fortune-telling and that her only hope is to save enough to open a school. The gypsy claims peculiar knowledge of Jane's habits, mentions Mrs. Poole, and startles her. She presses Jane about the drawing-room company, courtship, and whether any face or figure holds her interest. Jane says she observes all but cares nothing for the marriage plots she sees. The gypsy narrows the question to Mr. Rochester, the smiles shed into his eyes, and whether Jane has seen love or his future bride happy. Jane pushes back: is Rochester to marry Miss Ingram? The gypsy confirms it and describes Blanche's mercenary interest, then reads Jane's face at length: favourable eye and mouth, but a brow that declares she can live alone and will not let feeling burst its reins.

The voice changes. Jane notices the hand is young, sees Rochester's ring, and he doffs the bonnet and cloak. He asks if she knows him. Jane says he did not act the gypsy with her but some unaccountable character, and that drawing her out was scarcely fair. He asks forgiveness; she will consider it if reflection finds her not absurd. She was on guard from early in the interview, having noted the feigned voice and suspected diablerie connected with Grace Poole, never Rochester. She mentions the stranger Mason from Jamaica. At the name Rochester turns white, grips her wrist, and staggers: he has got a blow. Jane supports him, offers her shoulder and arm, and he calls her his little friend, wishing they were on a quiet island away from hideous recollections.

He sends her to the dining room for wine and to report whether Mason is present. The party is laughing at supper; Mason stands by the fire, merry. Miss Ingram frowns as Jane takes a glass. Rochester drinks, regains sternness, and tests Jane: if the guests spat at him, what would she do? Turn them out. If they left him one by one? She would rather stay with him. If they banned her for adhering to him? She would care nothing. He sends her to whisper to Mason that Rochester wishes to see him, show him into the library, and leave. Jane delivers the message through the staring company, ushers Mason in, and goes upstairs. Late that night she hears Rochester say cheerfully, "This way, Mason; this is your room," and falls asleep reassured.