“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 complete?”
“All, sir.”
“And on my part likewise,” he returned, “I have settled everything; and we shall leave Thornfield tomorrow, within half-an-hour after our return from church.”
“Very well, sir.”