Mr. Rochester Tells of Celine Varens

Mr. Rochester tells Jane the story of his past relationship with Celine Varens, a French opera dancer and Adele's mother. He describes how he was deceived by her and discovered her infidelity. He fought a duel with her lover and broke off the relationship. He explains that he took in Adele out of charity, though he doubts he is her father. This confession reveals Mr. Rochester's past dissipation and his cynical view of love, but also his sense of honor and responsibility.