“Ah! By my word! There is something singular about you,” said he: “you have the air of a little nonnette; quaint, quiet, grave, and simple, as you sit with your hands before you, and your eyes generally bent on the carpet (except, by-the-bye, when they are directed piercingly to my face; as just now, for instance); and when one asks you a question, or makes a remark to which you are obliged to reply, you rap out a round rejoinder, which, if not blunt, is at least brusque.”
– Charlotte Bronte
Jane Eyre, Chapter 14. As Mr. Rochester and Jane chat and get to know each other, he makes these observations about her after she blurts out “no” to the question of whether she thinks he is handsome. Clearly fascinated by Jane, he describes her as having the air of a little nun, quiet and humble. He comments on her blunt speaking and upfront honest answers to questions, recognizing and admiring similar personality traits in Jane as in himself. From the outset it becomes clear that this is more than a master-servant relationship. The social barriers are not there. Mr. Rochester is seeing in Jane a kindred spirit, a soul mate.