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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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Support the Monkey! Tell All your Friends and Teachers |
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162 passage led into the hall: in crossing it, I perceived my sandal was loose; I stopped to tie it, kneeling down for that purpose on the mat at the foot of the staircase. I heard the dining-room door unclose; a gentleman came out; rising hastily, I stood face to face with him: it was Mr. Rochester. ‘How do you do?’ he asked. ‘I am very well, sir.’ ‘Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?’ I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but I would not take that freedom. I answered‘I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir.’ ‘What have you been doing during my absence?’ ‘Nothing particular; teaching Adele as usual.’ ‘And getting a good deal paler than you were-as I saw at first sight. What is the matter?’ ‘Nothing at all, sir.’ ‘Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?’ ‘Not the least.’ ‘Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early.’ ‘I am tired, sir.’ He looked at me for a minute. ‘And a little depressed,’ he said. ‘What about? Tell me.’ ‘Nothing- nothing, sir. I am not depressed.’ ‘But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyes-indeed, they are there now, shining and swimming; and a bead has slipped from the lash and fallen on to the flag. If I had time, and was not in mortal dread of some prating prig of a servant passing, I would know what all this means. Well, to-night I excuse you; but understand that so long as my visitors stay, I expect you to appear in the drawing-room every evening; it is my wish; don’t neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adele. Good-night, my-’ He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me. |
