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 proceeding: his hand was already stretched towards Mr. Rochester, as his lips unclosed to ask, "Wilt thou have this woman 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 mute; the clerk did the same; Mr. Rochester moved slightly, as if an earthquake had rolled under his feet: taking a firmer footing, and not turning his head or eyes, he said, "Proceed."

     Profound 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 asserted, and evidence of its truth or falsehood."