"The ceremony is quite broken off," subjoined the voice behind us. "I am in a condition to prove my allegation: an insuperable impediment to this marriage exists."

     Mr. Rochester heard, but heeded 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 quarried marble was his pale, firm, massive front at this moment! How his eye shone, still watchful, and yet wild beneath!

     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 advisedly."

     The speaker came forward and leaned on the rails. He continued, uttering each word distinctly, calmly, steadily, but not loudly--

     "It simply consists in the existence of a previous marriage. Mr. Rochester has a wife now living."