Chapter 20
Ihadfottentodrawmycurtain,whichIusuallydid,andalsotoletdownmywindow-blind.Thesequencewas,thatwhenthemoon,whichwasfullandbright(forthenightwasfine),cameinhercoursetothatspatheskyoppositemycasement,andlookedihroughtheunveiledpanes,hergloriousgazerousedme.Awakinginthedeadofnight,Iopenedmyeyesonherdisk—silver-whiteandcrystalclear.Itwasbeautiful,buttoosolemn;Ihalfrose,andstretchedmyarmtodrawthecurtain.
GoodGod!Whatacry!
Thenight—itssilesrest,wasrentintwainbyasavage,asharp,ashrillysoundthatranfromendtoendofThornfieldHall.
Mypulsestopped:myheartstoodstill;mystretchedarmaralysed.Thecrydied,andwasnotrenewed.Indeed,whateverbeingutteredthatfearfulshriekcouldnotsoo:notthewidest-wingeddorontheAndescould,twisuccession,sendoutsuchayellfromthecloudshroudinghiseyrie.Thethingdeliveringsuchutterarestereitcouldrepeattheeffort.
Itcameoutofthethirdstorey;foritpassedoverhead.Andoverhead—yes,intheroomjustabovemychamber-ceiling—Inowheardastruggle:adeadlyoseemedfromthenoise;andahalf-smotheredvoiceshouted—
“Help!help!help!”threetimesrapidly.
“Willnoonee?”itcried;andthen,whilethestaggeringandstampionwildly,Idistinguishedthroughplankandplaster:—
“Rochester!Rochester!fod’ssake,e!”
Achamber-dooropened:someoneran,orrushed,alongthegallery.Aepstampedontheflaboveandsomethingfell;andtherewassilence.
Ihadputohes,thoughhorrorshookallmylimbs;Iissuedfrommyapartment.Thesleeperswereallaroused:ejaculations,terrifiedmurmurssoundedineveryroom;doorafterdoorunclosed;onelookedoutandanotherlookedout;thegalleryfilled.Gentlemenandladiesalikehadquittedtheirbeds;and“Oh!whatisit?”—“Whoishurt?”—“Whathashappened?”—“Fetchalight!”—“Isitfire?”—“Arethererobbers?”—“Whereshallwerun?”wasdemandedfusedlyonallhands.Butforthemoonlighttheywouldhavebeeninpletedarkheyrantoandfro;theycrowdedtogether:somesobbed,somestumbled:thefusionwasiricable.
“WherethedevilisRochester?”criedelDent.“Iotfindhiminhisbed.”
“Here!here!”wasshoutediurn.“Beposed,allofyou:I’ming.”
Andthedoorattheendofthegalleryopened,andMr.Rochesteradvahadle:hehadjustdesdedfromtheupperstorey.Oheladiesrantohimdirectly;sheseizedhisarm:itwasMissIngram.
“Whatawfuleventhastakenplace?”saidshe.“Speak!letusknowtheworstatonce!”
“Butdon’tpullmedownleme,”hereplied:fortheMissesEshtonweregingabouthimnow;awodowagers,invastwhiteers,werebearingdownonhimlikeshipsinfullsail.
“All’sright!—all’sright!”hecried.“It’samererehearsalofMuchAdoaboutNothing.Ladies,keepoff,orIshallwaxdangerous.”
Anddangeroushelooked:hisblackeyesdartedsparks.Calminghimselfbyaneffort,headded—
“Aservanthashadthenightmare;thatisall.She’saable,nervousperson:shestruedherdreamintoanapparition,orsomethingofthatsort,nodoubt;andhastakenafitwithfright.Now,then,Imustseeyouallbatoyourrooms;for,tillthehouseissettled,sheotbelookedafter.Gentlemen,havethegoodosettheladiestheexample.MissIngram,Iamsureyouwillnotfailinevingsuperioritytoidleterrors.AmyandLouisa,returntoyourslikeapairofdoves,asyouare.Mesdames”(tothedowagers),“youwilltakecoldtoadeadcertainty,ifyoustayinthischillgalleryanylonger.”
Andso,bydintofalternatecoaxingandandirivedtogetthemalloncemoreenclosedintheirseparatedormitories.Ididnotwaittobeorderedbairetreatedunnoticed,asunnoticedIhadleftit.
Not,however,togotobed:orary,Ibegananddressedmyselfcarefully.ThesoundsIhadheardafterthescream,andthewordsthathadbeenuttered,hadprobablybeenheardonlybyme;fortheyhadproceededfromtheroomabovemitheyassuredmethatitwasnotaservant’sdreamwhichhadthusstruckhorrhthehouse;andthattheexplanationMr.Rochesterhadgivenwasmerelyaionframedtopacifyhisguests.Idressed,then,tobereadyforemergencies.Whendressed,IsatalongtimebythewindowlookingoutoverthesilentgroundsandsilveredfieldsandwaitingforIkwhat.Itseemedtomethatsomeeventmustfollowthestrangecry,struggle,andcall.
No:stillnessreturned:eachmurmurandmovementceasedgradually,andinaboutanhourThornfieldHallwasagainashushedasadesert.Itseemedthatsleepandnighthadresumedtheirempire.Meahemoondeed:shewasabouttoset.Notlikingtositinthecoldanddarkness,IthoughtIwouldliedownonmybed,dressedasIwas.Ileftthewindow,andmovedwithlittlenoiseacrossthecarpet;asIstoopedtotakeoffmyshoes,acautioushandtappedlowatthedoor.
“AmIwanted?”Iasked.
“Areyouup?”askedthevoiceIexpectedtohear,viz.,mymaster’s.
“Yes,sir.”
“Anddressed?”
“Yes.”
“eout,then,quietly.”
Iobeyed.Mr.Rochesterstoodinthegalleryholdingalight.
“Iwantyou,”hesaid:“ethisway:takeyourtime,andmakenonoise.”
Myslipperswerethin:Icouldwalkthemattedfloorassoftlyasacat.Heglidedupthegalleryandupthestairs,andstoppedinthedark,lowcorridorofthefatefulthirdstorey:Ihadfollowedandstoodathisside.
“Haveyouaspongeinyourroom?”heaskedinawhisper.
“Yes,sir.”
“Haveyouanysalts—volatilesalts?Yes.”
“Gobadfetchboth.”
Ireturned,soughtthespohewashstand,thesaltsinmydrawer,andoncemoreretracedmysteps.Hestillwaited;heheldakeyinhishand:approagohesmall,blackdoors,heputitinthelock;hepaused,andaddressedmeagain.
“Youdon’tturnsickatthesightofblood?”
“IthinkIshallnot:Ihaveneverbee.”
IfeltathrillwhileIansweredhim;butnoess,andnofaintness.
“Justgivemeyourhand,”hesaid:“itwillnotdotoriskafaintingfit.”
Iputmyfingersintohis.“Warmandsteady,”washisremark:heturhekeyahedoor.
IsawaroomIrememberedtohaveseenbefore,thedayMrs.Fairfaxshowedmeoverthehouse:itwashungwithtapestry;butthetapestrywasnowloopedupi,andtherewasadoorapparent,whichhadthenbeencealed.Thisdooren;alightshooftheroomwithihenarling,snatgsound,almostlikeadogquarrelling.Mr.Rochester,puttingdownhisdle,saidtome,“Waitaminute,”aforwardtotheinnerapartment.Ashoutoflaughtergreetedhisentranoisyatfirst,andterminatinginGracePoole’sowngoblinha!ha!Shethenwasthere.Hemadesomesortementwithoutspeaking,thoughIheardalowvoiceaddresshim:hecameoutandclosedthedoorbehindhim.
“Here,Jane!”hesaid;andIwalkedroundtotheothersideofalargebed,whichwithitsdrawncurtainscealedasiderableportionofthechamber.Aneasy-chairwashebed-head:amansatinit,dressedwiththeexceptionofhiscoat;hewasstill;hisheadleantback;hiseyeswereclosed.Mr.Rochesterheldthedleoverhim;Ireisedinhispaleandseeminglylifelessface—thestranger,Mason:Isawtoothathislinenononeside,andonearm,wasalmostsoakedinblood.
“Holdthedle,”saidMr.Rochester,andItookit:hefetchedabasinofwaterfromthewashstand:“Holdthat,”saidhe.Iobeyed.Hetookthesponge,dippeditin,andmoistehecorpse-likeface;heaskedformysmelling-bottle,andappliedittothenostrils.Mr.Masonshortlyunclosedhiseyes;hegroaned.Mr.Rochesteropeheshirtofthewoundedman,whosearmandshoulderwerebandaged:hespongedawayblood,trigfastdown.
“Isthereimmediatedanger?”murmuredMr.Mason.
“Pooh!No—amerescratch.Don’tbesooveran:bearup!I’llfetchasurgeonforyounow,myself:you’llbeabletoberemovedbym,Ihope.Jane,”hetinued.
“Sir?”
“Ishallhavetoleaveyouinthisroomwiththisgentleman,foranhour,orperhapstwohours:youwillspohebloodasIdowheurns:ifhefeelsfaint,youwillputtheglassofwateronthatstandtohislips,andyoursaltstohisnose.Youwillnotspeaktohimona—and—Richard,itwillbeattheperilofyourlifeifyouspeaktoher:openyourlips—agitateyourself—andI’llnotanswerforthesequences.”
Againtheproaned;helookedasifhedarednotmove;fear,eitherofdeathorofsomethingelse,appearedalmosttoparalysehim.Mr.Rochesterputthenowbloodyspoomyhand,andIproceededtouseitashehaddochedmeased,thensaying,“Remember!—Noversatiotheroom.Iexperierangefeelingasthekeygratedinthelodthesoundofhisretreatingstepceasedtobeheard.
HerethenIwasihirdstorey,fasteoosmysticcells;nightaroundme;apaleandbloodyspectadermyeyesandhands;amurderesshardlyseparatedfrommebyasingledoor:yes—thatalling—therestIcouldbear;butIshudderedatthethoughtofGracePooleburstingoutuponme.
Imustkeeptomypost,however.Imustwatchthisghastlyteheseblue,stilllipsforbiddentounclose—theseeyesnowshut,nowopening,nowwanderingthroughtheroom,nowfixingonme,andeverglazedwiththedulnessofhorror.Imustdipmyhandagainandagaininthebasinofbloodandwater,andwipeawaythetriggore.Imustseethelightoftheunsnuffeddlewaneonmyemployment;theshadowsdarkenonthewrought,antiquetapestryroundme,andgrowbladerthehangingsofthevastoldbed,andquiverstrangelyoverthedoorsofagreatetopposite—whosefront,dividedintotwelvepanels,bore,ingrimdesign,theheadsofthetwelveapostles,eaclosedinitsseparatepanelasinaframe;whileabovethematthetoproseaneboncrucifixandadyingChrist.
Accastheshiftingobscurityandflickeringgleamhoveredherelahere,itwasnowthebeardedphysi,Luke,thatbenthisbrow;nowSt.John’slonghairthatwaved;andanonthedevilishfaceofJudas,thatgrewoutofthepanel,andseemedgatheringlifeandthreateningarevelationofthearch-traitor—ofSatanhimself—inhissubordinate’sform.
Amidstallthis,Ihadtolistenaswellaswatch:tolistenforthemovementsofthewildbeastorthefiendinyondersideden.ButsinceMr.Rochester’svisititseemedspellbound:allthenightIheardbutthreesoundsatthreelongintervals,—astepcreak,amomentaryrenewalofthesnarling,enoise,andadeephumangroan.
Thenmyownthoughtsworriedme.Whatcrimewasthisthatlivedinateinthissequesteredmansion,andcouldherbeexpellednorsubduedbytheowner?—whatmystery,thatbrokeoutnowinfireandnowinblood,atthedeadesthoursofnight?Whatcreaturewasit,that,maskedinanordinarywoman’sfadshape,utteredthevoiowofamogdemon,andanonofacarrion-seekingbirdofprey?
Andthismaover—thisonplace,quietstranger—howhadhebeeinvolvedinthewebofhorror?andwhyhadtheFuryflownathim?Whatmadehimseekthisquarterofthehouseatanuntimelyseason,whenheshouldhavebeenasleepinbed?IhadheardMr.Rochesterassignhimanapartmentbelow—whatbroughthimhere!Andwhy,now,washesotameuheviolereacherydonehim?WhydidhesoquietlysubmittothecealmentMr.Rochesterenforced?WhydidMr.Rochesterenforcethiscealment?Hisguesthadbeened,hisownlifeonaformeroccasionhadbeenhideouslyplottedagainst;andbothattemptshesmotheredinsecredsankinoblivion!ly,IsawMr.MasonwassubmissivetoMr.Rochester;thattheimpetuouswillofthelatterheldpleteswayovertheinessoftheformer:thefewwordswhichhadpassedbetweenthemassuredmeofthis.Itwasevidentthatintheirformerintercourse,thepassivedispositionoftheonehadbeenhabituallyinflueheactiveenergyoftheother:whehenhadarisenMr.Rochester’sdismaywhenheheardofMr.Mason’sarrival?Whyhadthemerehisuingindividual—whomhiswordnowsufficedtotrollikeachild—fallenonhim,afewhourssince,asathunderboltmightfallonanoak?
Oh!Icouldnethislookandhispalenesswhenhewhispered:“Jane,Ihavegotablow—Ihavegotablow,Jane.”Icouldnethowthearmhadtrembledwhichherestedonmyshoulder:anditwasnolightmatterwhichcouldthusbowtheresolutespiritandthrillthevigorousframeofFairfaxRochester.
“Whenwillhee?Whenwillhee?”Icriedinwardly,asthenightlingeredandlingered—asmybleedingpatientdrooped,moaned,sied:aherdaynoraidarrived.Ihad,againandagaihewatertoMason’swhitelips;againandagainofferedhimthestimulatingsalts:myeffortsseemediual:eitherbodilyormentalsuffering,orlossofblood,orallthreebined,werefastprostratinghisstrength.Hemoanedso,andlookedsoweak,wild,andlost,Ifearedhewasdying;antImightnoteveohim.
Thedle,wastedatlast,wentout;asitexpired,Iperceivedstreaksofgreylightedgingthewindowcurtains:dawnwasthenapproag.PresentlyIheardPilotbarkfarbelow,outofhisdistantkehecourtyard:hoperevived.Norwasitunwarranted:infiveminutesmorethegratiheyieldinglock,warnedmemywatchwasrelieved.Itcouldnothavelastedmorethantwohours:manyaweekhasseemedshorter.
Mr.Rochesterentered,andwithhimthesurgeonhehadbeech.
“Now,Carter,beonthealert,”hesaidtothislast:“Igiveyoubuthalf-an-hourfordressingthewound,fasteningthebandages,gettiientdownstairsandall.”
“Butishefittomove,sir?”
“Nodoubtofit;itisnothingserious;heisnervous,hisspiritsmustbekeptup.e,settowork.”
Mr.Rochesterdrewbackthethickcurtaihehollandbliinallthedaylighthecould;andIwassurprisedandcheeredtoseehowfardawnwasadvanced:whatrosystreakswerebeginningthte.ThenheapproachedMason,whomthesurgeonwasalreadyhandling.
“Now,mygoodfellow,howareyou?”heasked.
“She’sdoneforme,Ifear,”wasthefaintreply.
“Notawhit!—ce!Thisdayfhtyou’llhardlybeapintheworseofit:you’velostalittleblood;that’sallCarter,assurehimthere’snodanger.”
“Idothatstiously,”saidCarter,whohadnowuhebandages;“onlyIwishIcouldhavegotheresooner:hewouldnothavebledsomuch—buthowisthis?Thefleshontheshoulderistornaswellascut.Thiswoundwasnotdohakherehavebeehhere!”
“Shebitme,”hemurmured.“Sheworriedmelikeatigress,whenRochestergottheknifefromher.”
“Youshouldnothaveyielded:youshouldhavegrappledwithheratonce,”saidMr.Rochester.
“Butundersuchcircumstances,whatcouldonedo?”returnedMason.“Oh,itwasfrightful!”headded,shuddering.“AndIdidnotexpectit:shelookedsoquietatfirst.”
“Iwarnedyou,”washisfriend’sanswer;“Isaid—beonyuardwhenyougonearher.Besides,youmighthavewaitedtillto-morrow,andhadmewithyou:itwasmerefollytoattempttheinterviewto-night,andalone.”
“IthoughtIcouldhavedonesomegood.”
“Youthought!youthought!Yes,itmakesmeimpatienttohearyou:but,however,youhavesuffered,andarelikelytosufferenoughfornottakingmyadvice;soI’llsaynomore.Carter—hurry!—hurry!Thesunwillsoonrise,andImusthavehimoff.”
“Directly,sir;theshoulderisjustbandaged.Imustlooktothisotherwoundinthearm:shehashadherteethheretoo,Ithink.”
“Shesuckedtheblood:shesaidshe’ddrai,”saidMason.
IsawMr.Rochestershudder:asingularlymarkedexpressionofdisgust,horror,hatred,edhistenancealmosttodistortion;butheonlysaid—
“e,besilent,Richard,andnevermindhergibberish:doit.”
“IwishIcouldfetit,”wastheanswer.
“Youwillwhenyouareoutofthetry:whenyougetbacktoSpanishTown,youmaythinkofherasdeadandburied—orrather,youthinkofheratall.”
“Impossibletetthisnight!”
“Itisnotimpossible:havesomeenergy,man.Youthoughtyouwereasdeadasaherringtwohourssindyouareallaliveandtalkingnow.There!—Carterhasdohyouornearlyso;I’llmakeyoudetinatrice.Jane”(heturomeforthefirsttimesincehisre-entraakethiskey:godownintomybedroom,andwalkstraightforwardintomydressing-room:opeopdrawerofthewardrobeandtakeoutashirtandneck-handkerchief:bringthemhere;andbenimble.”
Iwent;soughttherepositoryhehadmentioned,fouiamed,aurhthem.
“Now,”saidhe,“gototheothersideofthebedwhileIorderhistoilet;butdoheroom:youmaybewantedagain.”
Iretiredasdirected.
“Wasanybodystirringbelowwhenyouwentdown,Jane?”inquiredMr.Rochesterpresently.
“No,sir;allwasverystill.”
“Weshallgetyouoffily,Diditwillbebetter,bothforyoursake,andforthatofthepoorcreatureinyonder.Ihavestrivenlongtoavoidexposure,andIshouldnotlikeittoeatlast.Here,Carter,helphimonwithhiswaist-coat.Wheredidyouleaveyourfurredcloak?You’ttravelamilewithoutthat,Iknow,inthisdamnedcoldclimate.Inyourroom?—Jane,rundowntoMr.Mason’sroom,—theomine,—achacloakyouwillseethere.”
AgainIran,andagaiurned,bearinganimmelelinedandedgedwithfur.
“Now,I’veanothererrandforyou,”saidmyuntiringmaster;“youmustawaytomyroomagain.Whatamercyyouareshodwithvelvet,Jane!—aclod-hoppingmessengerwouldneverdoatthisjuncture.Youmustopenthemiddledrawerofmytoilet-tableandtakeoutalittlephialandalittleglassyouwillfindthere,—quick!”
Iflewthitherandback,bringingthedesiredvessels.
“That’swell!Now,doctor,Ishalltakethelibertyofadministeringadosemyself,onmyownresponsibility.IgotthiscordialatRome,ofanItaliancharlatan—afellowyouwouldhavekicked,Carter.Itisnotathingtobeusedindiscriminately,butitisgooduponoccasion:asnow,forinstance.Jane,alittlewater.”
Heheldoutthetinyglass,andIhalffilleditfromthewater-bottleonthewashstand.
“Thatwilldo;—helipofthephial.”
Ididso;hemeasuredtwelvedropsofacrimsonliquid,aedittoMason.
“Drink,Richard:itwillgiveyoutheheartyoulack,foranhourorso.”
“Butwillithurtme?—isitinflammatory?”
“Drink!drink!drink!”
Mr.Masonobeyed,becauseitwasevidentlyuselesstoresist.Hewasdressednow:hestilllookedpale,buthewasnoloryandsullied.Mr.Rochesterlethimsitthreemierhehadswallowedtheliquid;hethentookhisarm—
“NowIamsureyougetonyourfeet,”hesaid—“try.”
Thepatientrose.
“Carter,takehimuheothershoulder.Beofgoodcheer,Richard;stepout—that’sit!”
“Idofeelbetter,”remarkedMr.Mason.
“Iamsureyoudo.Now,Jariponbeforeusawaytothebackstairs;unbolttheside-passagedoor,ahedriverofthepost-chaiseyouwillseeintheyard—orjustoutside,forItoldhimnottodrivehisrattlingwheelsoverthepavement—tobeready;weareing:and,Jane,ifanyoneisabout,etothefootofthestairsandhem.”
Itwasbythistimehalf-pastfive,andthesunwasonthepointofrising;butIfoustilldarkandsilent.Theside-passagedoorwasfastened;Iopewithaslittlenoiseaspossible:alltheyardwasquiet;butthegatesstoodwideopen,andthereost-chaise,withhorsesreadyharnessed,anddriverseatedonthebox,statioside.Iapproachedhim,andsaidthegentlemenwereing;hehenIlookedcarefullyroundandlistehestillnessofearlymslumberedeverywhere;thecurtainswereyetdrawheservants’chamberwindows;littlebirdswerejusttwitteringintheblossom-blanchedorchardtrees,whoseboughsdroopedlikewhitegarlandsoverthewallenclosingonesideoftheyard;thecarriagehorsesstampedfromtimetotimeintheirclosedstables:allelsewasstill.
Thegentlemennoeared.Mason,supportedbyMr.Rochesterandthesurgeoowalkwithtolerableease:theyassistedhimintothechaise;Carterfollowed.
“Take,”saidMr.Rochestertothelatter,“andkeephimatyourhousetillheisquitewell:Ishallrideoverinadayortwotoseehowhegetson.Richard,howisitwithyou?”
“Thefreshairrevivesme,Fairfax.”
“Leavethewindowopenonhisside,Carter;thereisnowind—good-bye,Dick.”
“Fairfax—”
“Wellwhatisit?”
“Letherbetakencareof;letherbetreatedastenderlyasmaybe:lether—”hestoppedandburstintotears.
“Idomybest;andhavedo,andwilldoit,”wastheanswer:heshutupthechaisedoor,andthevehicledroveaway.
“YetwouldtoGodtherewasanendofallthis!”addedMr.Rochester,asheclosedandbarredtheheavyyard-gates.
Thisdone,hemovedwithslowstepandabstractedairtowardsadoorinthewallbtheorchard.I,supposinghehaddohme,preparedtoreturntothehouse;again,however,Iheardhimcall“Jane!”Hehadopenedfeelportalandstoodatit,waitingforme.
“ewherethereissomefreshness,forafewmoments,”hesaid;“thathouseisameredungeon:don’tyoufeelitso?”
“Itseemstomeasplendidmansion,sir.”
“Theglamourofinexperienceisoveryoureyes,”heanswered;“andyouseeitthroughacharmedmedium:youotdisthatthegildingisslimeandthesilkdraperiescobwebs;thatthemarbleissordidslate,andthepolishedwoodsmererefusechipsandscalybark.Nowhere”(hepoiheleafyenclosurewehadentered)“allisreal,sweet,andpure.”
Hestrayeddownawalkedgedwithbox,letrees,peartrees,areesononeside,andaborderoherfullofallsortsofold-fashionedflowers,stocks,sweet-williams,primroses,pansies,mihsouthernwood,sweet-briar,andvarirantherbs.TheywerefreshnowasasuccessionofAprilshowersandgleams,followedbyalovelyspringm,akethem:thesunwasjustenteringthedappledeast,andhislightillumihewreathedanddewyorchardtreesandshonedownthequietwalksuhem.
“Jane,willyouhaveaflower?”
Hegatheredahalf-blowhefirstonthebush,andofferedittome.
“Thankyou,sir.”
“Doyoulikethissunrise,Jahatskywithitshighandlightcloudswhicharesuretomeltawayasthedaywaxeswarm—thispladbalmlyatmosphere?”
“Ido,verymuch.”
“Youhavepassedastrangenight,Jane.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Andithasmadeyoulookpale—wereyouafraidwheyoualohMason?”
“Iwasafraidofsomeoneingoutoftheinnerroom.”
“ButIhadfastehedoor—Ihadthekeyinmypocket:IshouldhavebeenacarelessshepherdifIhadleftalamb—mypetlamb—sonearawolf’sden,unguarded:youweresafe.”
“WillGracePooleliveherestill,sir?”
“Ohyes!don’ttroubleyourheadabouther—putthethingoutofyourthoughts.”
“Yetitseemstomeyourlifeishardlysecurewhileshestays.”
“Neverfear—Iwilltakeyself.”
“Isthedangeryouapprehendedlastnightgonebynow,sir?”
“IotvouchforthattillMasonisoutofEngland:hen.Tolive,forme,Jaostandonacrater-crustwhichmaycradspuefireanyday.”
“ButMr.Masonseemsamaneasilyled.Yourinfluence,sir,isevidentlypotentwithhim:hewillyouatdefianceorwilfullyinjureyou.”
“Oh,no!Masonwillnotdefyme;nor,knowingit,willhehurtme—but,uionally,hemightinamoment,byonecarelessword,depriveme,ifnotoflife,yetforeverofhappiness.”
“Tellhimtobecautious,sir:lethimknowwhatyoufear,andshowhimhowtoavertthedanger.”
Helaughedsardonically,hastilytookmyhand,andashastilythrewitfromhim.
“IfIcoulddothat,simpleton,wherewouldthedangerbe?Annihilatedinamoment.EversinceIhaveknownMason,Ihaveonlyhadtosaytohim‘Dothat,’ahinghasbeeIotgivehimordersinthiscase:Iotsay‘Bewareme,Richard;’foritisimperativethatIshouldkeephimignorantthatharmtomeispossible.Nowyoulookpuzzled;andIwillpuzzleyoufurther.Youaremylittlefriend,areyounot?”
“Iliketoserveyou,sir,andtoobeyyouinallthatisright.”
“Precisely:Iseeyoudo.Iseegeeinyaitandmien,youreyeandface,whenyouarehelpingmeandpleasingme—wforme,andwithme,in,asyoucharacteristicallysay,‘allthatisright:’forifIbidyoudowhatyouthoughtwrong,therewouldbenolight-footedrunning,-handedalacrity,nolivelyglandanimatedplexion.Myfriendwouldthenturntome,quietandpale,andwouldsay,‘No,sir;thatisimpossible:Iotdoit,becauseitiswrong;’andwouldbemutableasafixedstar.Well,youtoohavepoweroverme,andmayinjureme:yetIdarenotshowyouwhereIamvulnerable,lest,faithfulandfriendlyasyouare,youshouldtransfixmeatonce.”
“IfyouhavenomoretofearfromMr.Masonthanyouhavefromme,sir,youareverysafe.”
“Godgrantitmaybeso!Here,Jane,isanarbour;sitdown.”
Thearbourwasanarthewall,lihivy;ittainedarusticseat.Mr.Rochestertookit,leavingroom,however,forme:butIstoodbeforehim.
“Sit,”hesaid;“thebenchislongenoughfortwo.Youdoatetotakeaplaceatmyside,doyou?Isthatwrong,Jane?”
Iansweredhimbyassumingit:torefusewould,Ifelt,havebeenunwise.
“Now,mylittlefriend,whilethesundrinksthedew—whilealltheflowersinthisoldgardenawakeandexpand,andthebirdsfetchtheiryoungones’breakfastoutoftheThornfield,andtheearlybeesdotheirfirstspellofwork—I’llputacasetoyou,whiustendeavourtosupposeyourown:butfirst,lookatme,andtellmeyouareatease,andnotfearingthatIerriainingyou,orthatyouerrinstaying.”
“No,sir;Iamtent.”
“Wellthen,Jane,calltoaidyourfancy:-supposeyouwerenolirlwellrearedanddisciplined,butawildboyindulgedfromchildhoodupwards;imagineyourselfiefnland;ceivethatyouthereitacapitalerror,nomatterofwhatnatureorfromwhatmotives,butonewhosesequencesmustfollowyhlifeandtaintallyourexistence.Mind,Idon’tsayacrime;Iamnotspeakingofsheddingofbloodoranyuiltyact,whichmightmaketheperpetratoramehelaw:mywordiserror.Theresultsofwhatyouhavedonebeeioyouutterlyinsupportable;youtakemeasurestoobtainrelief:unusualme松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
GoodGod!Whatacry!
Thenight—itssilesrest,wasrentintwainbyasavage,asharp,ashrillysoundthatranfromendtoendofThornfieldHall.
Mypulsestopped:myheartstoodstill;mystretchedarmaralysed.Thecrydied,andwasnotrenewed.Indeed,whateverbeingutteredthatfearfulshriekcouldnotsoo:notthewidest-wingeddorontheAndescould,twisuccession,sendoutsuchayellfromthecloudshroudinghiseyrie.Thethingdeliveringsuchutterarestereitcouldrepeattheeffort.
Itcameoutofthethirdstorey;foritpassedoverhead.Andoverhead—yes,intheroomjustabovemychamber-ceiling—Inowheardastruggle:adeadlyoseemedfromthenoise;andahalf-smotheredvoiceshouted—
“Help!help!help!”threetimesrapidly.
“Willnoonee?”itcried;andthen,whilethestaggeringandstampionwildly,Idistinguishedthroughplankandplaster:—
“Rochester!Rochester!fod’ssake,e!”
Achamber-dooropened:someoneran,orrushed,alongthegallery.Aepstampedontheflaboveandsomethingfell;andtherewassilence.
Ihadputohes,thoughhorrorshookallmylimbs;Iissuedfrommyapartment.Thesleeperswereallaroused:ejaculations,terrifiedmurmurssoundedineveryroom;doorafterdoorunclosed;onelookedoutandanotherlookedout;thegalleryfilled.Gentlemenandladiesalikehadquittedtheirbeds;and“Oh!whatisit?”—“Whoishurt?”—“Whathashappened?”—“Fetchalight!”—“Isitfire?”—“Arethererobbers?”—“Whereshallwerun?”wasdemandedfusedlyonallhands.Butforthemoonlighttheywouldhavebeeninpletedarkheyrantoandfro;theycrowdedtogether:somesobbed,somestumbled:thefusionwasiricable.
“WherethedevilisRochester?”criedelDent.“Iotfindhiminhisbed.”
“Here!here!”wasshoutediurn.“Beposed,allofyou:I’ming.”
Andthedoorattheendofthegalleryopened,andMr.Rochesteradvahadle:hehadjustdesdedfromtheupperstorey.Oheladiesrantohimdirectly;sheseizedhisarm:itwasMissIngram.
“Whatawfuleventhastakenplace?”saidshe.“Speak!letusknowtheworstatonce!”
“Butdon’tpullmedownleme,”hereplied:fortheMissesEshtonweregingabouthimnow;awodowagers,invastwhiteers,werebearingdownonhimlikeshipsinfullsail.
“All’sright!—all’sright!”hecried.“It’samererehearsalofMuchAdoaboutNothing.Ladies,keepoff,orIshallwaxdangerous.”
Anddangeroushelooked:hisblackeyesdartedsparks.Calminghimselfbyaneffort,headded—
“Aservanthashadthenightmare;thatisall.She’saable,nervousperson:shestruedherdreamintoanapparition,orsomethingofthatsort,nodoubt;andhastakenafitwithfright.Now,then,Imustseeyouallbatoyourrooms;for,tillthehouseissettled,sheotbelookedafter.Gentlemen,havethegoodosettheladiestheexample.MissIngram,Iamsureyouwillnotfailinevingsuperioritytoidleterrors.AmyandLouisa,returntoyourslikeapairofdoves,asyouare.Mesdames”(tothedowagers),“youwilltakecoldtoadeadcertainty,ifyoustayinthischillgalleryanylonger.”
Andso,bydintofalternatecoaxingandandirivedtogetthemalloncemoreenclosedintheirseparatedormitories.Ididnotwaittobeorderedbairetreatedunnoticed,asunnoticedIhadleftit.
Not,however,togotobed:orary,Ibegananddressedmyselfcarefully.ThesoundsIhadheardafterthescream,andthewordsthathadbeenuttered,hadprobablybeenheardonlybyme;fortheyhadproceededfromtheroomabovemitheyassuredmethatitwasnotaservant’sdreamwhichhadthusstruckhorrhthehouse;andthattheexplanationMr.Rochesterhadgivenwasmerelyaionframedtopacifyhisguests.Idressed,then,tobereadyforemergencies.Whendressed,IsatalongtimebythewindowlookingoutoverthesilentgroundsandsilveredfieldsandwaitingforIkwhat.Itseemedtomethatsomeeventmustfollowthestrangecry,struggle,andcall.
No:stillnessreturned:eachmurmurandmovementceasedgradually,andinaboutanhourThornfieldHallwasagainashushedasadesert.Itseemedthatsleepandnighthadresumedtheirempire.Meahemoondeed:shewasabouttoset.Notlikingtositinthecoldanddarkness,IthoughtIwouldliedownonmybed,dressedasIwas.Ileftthewindow,andmovedwithlittlenoiseacrossthecarpet;asIstoopedtotakeoffmyshoes,acautioushandtappedlowatthedoor.
“AmIwanted?”Iasked.
“Areyouup?”askedthevoiceIexpectedtohear,viz.,mymaster’s.
“Yes,sir.”
“Anddressed?”
“Yes.”
“eout,then,quietly.”
Iobeyed.Mr.Rochesterstoodinthegalleryholdingalight.
“Iwantyou,”hesaid:“ethisway:takeyourtime,andmakenonoise.”
Myslipperswerethin:Icouldwalkthemattedfloorassoftlyasacat.Heglidedupthegalleryandupthestairs,andstoppedinthedark,lowcorridorofthefatefulthirdstorey:Ihadfollowedandstoodathisside.
“Haveyouaspongeinyourroom?”heaskedinawhisper.
“Yes,sir.”
“Haveyouanysalts—volatilesalts?Yes.”
“Gobadfetchboth.”
Ireturned,soughtthespohewashstand,thesaltsinmydrawer,andoncemoreretracedmysteps.Hestillwaited;heheldakeyinhishand:approagohesmall,blackdoors,heputitinthelock;hepaused,andaddressedmeagain.
“Youdon’tturnsickatthesightofblood?”
“IthinkIshallnot:Ihaveneverbee.”
IfeltathrillwhileIansweredhim;butnoess,andnofaintness.
“Justgivemeyourhand,”hesaid:“itwillnotdotoriskafaintingfit.”
Iputmyfingersintohis.“Warmandsteady,”washisremark:heturhekeyahedoor.
IsawaroomIrememberedtohaveseenbefore,thedayMrs.Fairfaxshowedmeoverthehouse:itwashungwithtapestry;butthetapestrywasnowloopedupi,andtherewasadoorapparent,whichhadthenbeencealed.Thisdooren;alightshooftheroomwithihenarling,snatgsound,almostlikeadogquarrelling.Mr.Rochester,puttingdownhisdle,saidtome,“Waitaminute,”aforwardtotheinnerapartment.Ashoutoflaughtergreetedhisentranoisyatfirst,andterminatinginGracePoole’sowngoblinha!ha!Shethenwasthere.Hemadesomesortementwithoutspeaking,thoughIheardalowvoiceaddresshim:hecameoutandclosedthedoorbehindhim.
“Here,Jane!”hesaid;andIwalkedroundtotheothersideofalargebed,whichwithitsdrawncurtainscealedasiderableportionofthechamber.Aneasy-chairwashebed-head:amansatinit,dressedwiththeexceptionofhiscoat;hewasstill;hisheadleantback;hiseyeswereclosed.Mr.Rochesterheldthedleoverhim;Ireisedinhispaleandseeminglylifelessface—thestranger,Mason:Isawtoothathislinenononeside,andonearm,wasalmostsoakedinblood.
“Holdthedle,”saidMr.Rochester,andItookit:hefetchedabasinofwaterfromthewashstand:“Holdthat,”saidhe.Iobeyed.Hetookthesponge,dippeditin,andmoistehecorpse-likeface;heaskedformysmelling-bottle,andappliedittothenostrils.Mr.Masonshortlyunclosedhiseyes;hegroaned.Mr.Rochesteropeheshirtofthewoundedman,whosearmandshoulderwerebandaged:hespongedawayblood,trigfastdown.
“Isthereimmediatedanger?”murmuredMr.Mason.
“Pooh!No—amerescratch.Don’tbesooveran:bearup!I’llfetchasurgeonforyounow,myself:you’llbeabletoberemovedbym,Ihope.Jane,”hetinued.
“Sir?”
“Ishallhavetoleaveyouinthisroomwiththisgentleman,foranhour,orperhapstwohours:youwillspohebloodasIdowheurns:ifhefeelsfaint,youwillputtheglassofwateronthatstandtohislips,andyoursaltstohisnose.Youwillnotspeaktohimona—and—Richard,itwillbeattheperilofyourlifeifyouspeaktoher:openyourlips—agitateyourself—andI’llnotanswerforthesequences.”
Againtheproaned;helookedasifhedarednotmove;fear,eitherofdeathorofsomethingelse,appearedalmosttoparalysehim.Mr.Rochesterputthenowbloodyspoomyhand,andIproceededtouseitashehaddochedmeased,thensaying,“Remember!—Noversatiotheroom.Iexperierangefeelingasthekeygratedinthelodthesoundofhisretreatingstepceasedtobeheard.
HerethenIwasihirdstorey,fasteoosmysticcells;nightaroundme;apaleandbloodyspectadermyeyesandhands;amurderesshardlyseparatedfrommebyasingledoor:yes—thatalling—therestIcouldbear;butIshudderedatthethoughtofGracePooleburstingoutuponme.
Imustkeeptomypost,however.Imustwatchthisghastlyteheseblue,stilllipsforbiddentounclose—theseeyesnowshut,nowopening,nowwanderingthroughtheroom,nowfixingonme,andeverglazedwiththedulnessofhorror.Imustdipmyhandagainandagaininthebasinofbloodandwater,andwipeawaythetriggore.Imustseethelightoftheunsnuffeddlewaneonmyemployment;theshadowsdarkenonthewrought,antiquetapestryroundme,andgrowbladerthehangingsofthevastoldbed,andquiverstrangelyoverthedoorsofagreatetopposite—whosefront,dividedintotwelvepanels,bore,ingrimdesign,theheadsofthetwelveapostles,eaclosedinitsseparatepanelasinaframe;whileabovethematthetoproseaneboncrucifixandadyingChrist.
Accastheshiftingobscurityandflickeringgleamhoveredherelahere,itwasnowthebeardedphysi,Luke,thatbenthisbrow;nowSt.John’slonghairthatwaved;andanonthedevilishfaceofJudas,thatgrewoutofthepanel,andseemedgatheringlifeandthreateningarevelationofthearch-traitor—ofSatanhimself—inhissubordinate’sform.
Amidstallthis,Ihadtolistenaswellaswatch:tolistenforthemovementsofthewildbeastorthefiendinyondersideden.ButsinceMr.Rochester’svisititseemedspellbound:allthenightIheardbutthreesoundsatthreelongintervals,—astepcreak,amomentaryrenewalofthesnarling,enoise,andadeephumangroan.
Thenmyownthoughtsworriedme.Whatcrimewasthisthatlivedinateinthissequesteredmansion,andcouldherbeexpellednorsubduedbytheowner?—whatmystery,thatbrokeoutnowinfireandnowinblood,atthedeadesthoursofnight?Whatcreaturewasit,that,maskedinanordinarywoman’sfadshape,utteredthevoiowofamogdemon,andanonofacarrion-seekingbirdofprey?
Andthismaover—thisonplace,quietstranger—howhadhebeeinvolvedinthewebofhorror?andwhyhadtheFuryflownathim?Whatmadehimseekthisquarterofthehouseatanuntimelyseason,whenheshouldhavebeenasleepinbed?IhadheardMr.Rochesterassignhimanapartmentbelow—whatbroughthimhere!Andwhy,now,washesotameuheviolereacherydonehim?WhydidhesoquietlysubmittothecealmentMr.Rochesterenforced?WhydidMr.Rochesterenforcethiscealment?Hisguesthadbeened,hisownlifeonaformeroccasionhadbeenhideouslyplottedagainst;andbothattemptshesmotheredinsecredsankinoblivion!ly,IsawMr.MasonwassubmissivetoMr.Rochester;thattheimpetuouswillofthelatterheldpleteswayovertheinessoftheformer:thefewwordswhichhadpassedbetweenthemassuredmeofthis.Itwasevidentthatintheirformerintercourse,thepassivedispositionoftheonehadbeenhabituallyinflueheactiveenergyoftheother:whehenhadarisenMr.Rochester’sdismaywhenheheardofMr.Mason’sarrival?Whyhadthemerehisuingindividual—whomhiswordnowsufficedtotrollikeachild—fallenonhim,afewhourssince,asathunderboltmightfallonanoak?
Oh!Icouldnethislookandhispalenesswhenhewhispered:“Jane,Ihavegotablow—Ihavegotablow,Jane.”Icouldnethowthearmhadtrembledwhichherestedonmyshoulder:anditwasnolightmatterwhichcouldthusbowtheresolutespiritandthrillthevigorousframeofFairfaxRochester.
“Whenwillhee?Whenwillhee?”Icriedinwardly,asthenightlingeredandlingered—asmybleedingpatientdrooped,moaned,sied:aherdaynoraidarrived.Ihad,againandagaihewatertoMason’swhitelips;againandagainofferedhimthestimulatingsalts:myeffortsseemediual:eitherbodilyormentalsuffering,orlossofblood,orallthreebined,werefastprostratinghisstrength.Hemoanedso,andlookedsoweak,wild,andlost,Ifearedhewasdying;antImightnoteveohim.
Thedle,wastedatlast,wentout;asitexpired,Iperceivedstreaksofgreylightedgingthewindowcurtains:dawnwasthenapproag.PresentlyIheardPilotbarkfarbelow,outofhisdistantkehecourtyard:hoperevived.Norwasitunwarranted:infiveminutesmorethegratiheyieldinglock,warnedmemywatchwasrelieved.Itcouldnothavelastedmorethantwohours:manyaweekhasseemedshorter.
Mr.Rochesterentered,andwithhimthesurgeonhehadbeech.
“Now,Carter,beonthealert,”hesaidtothislast:“Igiveyoubuthalf-an-hourfordressingthewound,fasteningthebandages,gettiientdownstairsandall.”
“Butishefittomove,sir?”
“Nodoubtofit;itisnothingserious;heisnervous,hisspiritsmustbekeptup.e,settowork.”
Mr.Rochesterdrewbackthethickcurtaihehollandbliinallthedaylighthecould;andIwassurprisedandcheeredtoseehowfardawnwasadvanced:whatrosystreakswerebeginningthte.ThenheapproachedMason,whomthesurgeonwasalreadyhandling.
“Now,mygoodfellow,howareyou?”heasked.
“She’sdoneforme,Ifear,”wasthefaintreply.
“Notawhit!—ce!Thisdayfhtyou’llhardlybeapintheworseofit:you’velostalittleblood;that’sallCarter,assurehimthere’snodanger.”
“Idothatstiously,”saidCarter,whohadnowuhebandages;“onlyIwishIcouldhavegotheresooner:hewouldnothavebledsomuch—buthowisthis?Thefleshontheshoulderistornaswellascut.Thiswoundwasnotdohakherehavebeehhere!”
“Shebitme,”hemurmured.“Sheworriedmelikeatigress,whenRochestergottheknifefromher.”
“Youshouldnothaveyielded:youshouldhavegrappledwithheratonce,”saidMr.Rochester.
“Butundersuchcircumstances,whatcouldonedo?”returnedMason.“Oh,itwasfrightful!”headded,shuddering.“AndIdidnotexpectit:shelookedsoquietatfirst.”
“Iwarnedyou,”washisfriend’sanswer;“Isaid—beonyuardwhenyougonearher.Besides,youmighthavewaitedtillto-morrow,andhadmewithyou:itwasmerefollytoattempttheinterviewto-night,andalone.”
“IthoughtIcouldhavedonesomegood.”
“Youthought!youthought!Yes,itmakesmeimpatienttohearyou:but,however,youhavesuffered,andarelikelytosufferenoughfornottakingmyadvice;soI’llsaynomore.Carter—hurry!—hurry!Thesunwillsoonrise,andImusthavehimoff.”
“Directly,sir;theshoulderisjustbandaged.Imustlooktothisotherwoundinthearm:shehashadherteethheretoo,Ithink.”
“Shesuckedtheblood:shesaidshe’ddrai,”saidMason.
IsawMr.Rochestershudder:asingularlymarkedexpressionofdisgust,horror,hatred,edhistenancealmosttodistortion;butheonlysaid—
“e,besilent,Richard,andnevermindhergibberish:doit.”
“IwishIcouldfetit,”wastheanswer.
“Youwillwhenyouareoutofthetry:whenyougetbacktoSpanishTown,youmaythinkofherasdeadandburied—orrather,youthinkofheratall.”
“Impossibletetthisnight!”
“Itisnotimpossible:havesomeenergy,man.Youthoughtyouwereasdeadasaherringtwohourssindyouareallaliveandtalkingnow.There!—Carterhasdohyouornearlyso;I’llmakeyoudetinatrice.Jane”(heturomeforthefirsttimesincehisre-entraakethiskey:godownintomybedroom,andwalkstraightforwardintomydressing-room:opeopdrawerofthewardrobeandtakeoutashirtandneck-handkerchief:bringthemhere;andbenimble.”
Iwent;soughttherepositoryhehadmentioned,fouiamed,aurhthem.
“Now,”saidhe,“gototheothersideofthebedwhileIorderhistoilet;butdoheroom:youmaybewantedagain.”
Iretiredasdirected.
“Wasanybodystirringbelowwhenyouwentdown,Jane?”inquiredMr.Rochesterpresently.
“No,sir;allwasverystill.”
“Weshallgetyouoffily,Diditwillbebetter,bothforyoursake,andforthatofthepoorcreatureinyonder.Ihavestrivenlongtoavoidexposure,andIshouldnotlikeittoeatlast.Here,Carter,helphimonwithhiswaist-coat.Wheredidyouleaveyourfurredcloak?You’ttravelamilewithoutthat,Iknow,inthisdamnedcoldclimate.Inyourroom?—Jane,rundowntoMr.Mason’sroom,—theomine,—achacloakyouwillseethere.”
AgainIran,andagaiurned,bearinganimmelelinedandedgedwithfur.
“Now,I’veanothererrandforyou,”saidmyuntiringmaster;“youmustawaytomyroomagain.Whatamercyyouareshodwithvelvet,Jane!—aclod-hoppingmessengerwouldneverdoatthisjuncture.Youmustopenthemiddledrawerofmytoilet-tableandtakeoutalittlephialandalittleglassyouwillfindthere,—quick!”
Iflewthitherandback,bringingthedesiredvessels.
“That’swell!Now,doctor,Ishalltakethelibertyofadministeringadosemyself,onmyownresponsibility.IgotthiscordialatRome,ofanItaliancharlatan—afellowyouwouldhavekicked,Carter.Itisnotathingtobeusedindiscriminately,butitisgooduponoccasion:asnow,forinstance.Jane,alittlewater.”
Heheldoutthetinyglass,andIhalffilleditfromthewater-bottleonthewashstand.
“Thatwilldo;—helipofthephial.”
Ididso;hemeasuredtwelvedropsofacrimsonliquid,aedittoMason.
“Drink,Richard:itwillgiveyoutheheartyoulack,foranhourorso.”
“Butwillithurtme?—isitinflammatory?”
“Drink!drink!drink!”
Mr.Masonobeyed,becauseitwasevidentlyuselesstoresist.Hewasdressednow:hestilllookedpale,buthewasnoloryandsullied.Mr.Rochesterlethimsitthreemierhehadswallowedtheliquid;hethentookhisarm—
“NowIamsureyougetonyourfeet,”hesaid—“try.”
Thepatientrose.
“Carter,takehimuheothershoulder.Beofgoodcheer,Richard;stepout—that’sit!”
“Idofeelbetter,”remarkedMr.Mason.
“Iamsureyoudo.Now,Jariponbeforeusawaytothebackstairs;unbolttheside-passagedoor,ahedriverofthepost-chaiseyouwillseeintheyard—orjustoutside,forItoldhimnottodrivehisrattlingwheelsoverthepavement—tobeready;weareing:and,Jane,ifanyoneisabout,etothefootofthestairsandhem.”
Itwasbythistimehalf-pastfive,andthesunwasonthepointofrising;butIfoustilldarkandsilent.Theside-passagedoorwasfastened;Iopewithaslittlenoiseaspossible:alltheyardwasquiet;butthegatesstoodwideopen,andthereost-chaise,withhorsesreadyharnessed,anddriverseatedonthebox,statioside.Iapproachedhim,andsaidthegentlemenwereing;hehenIlookedcarefullyroundandlistehestillnessofearlymslumberedeverywhere;thecurtainswereyetdrawheservants’chamberwindows;littlebirdswerejusttwitteringintheblossom-blanchedorchardtrees,whoseboughsdroopedlikewhitegarlandsoverthewallenclosingonesideoftheyard;thecarriagehorsesstampedfromtimetotimeintheirclosedstables:allelsewasstill.
Thegentlemennoeared.Mason,supportedbyMr.Rochesterandthesurgeoowalkwithtolerableease:theyassistedhimintothechaise;Carterfollowed.
“Take,”saidMr.Rochestertothelatter,“andkeephimatyourhousetillheisquitewell:Ishallrideoverinadayortwotoseehowhegetson.Richard,howisitwithyou?”
“Thefreshairrevivesme,Fairfax.”
“Leavethewindowopenonhisside,Carter;thereisnowind—good-bye,Dick.”
“Fairfax—”
“Wellwhatisit?”
“Letherbetakencareof;letherbetreatedastenderlyasmaybe:lether—”hestoppedandburstintotears.
“Idomybest;andhavedo,andwilldoit,”wastheanswer:heshutupthechaisedoor,andthevehicledroveaway.
“YetwouldtoGodtherewasanendofallthis!”addedMr.Rochester,asheclosedandbarredtheheavyyard-gates.
Thisdone,hemovedwithslowstepandabstractedairtowardsadoorinthewallbtheorchard.I,supposinghehaddohme,preparedtoreturntothehouse;again,however,Iheardhimcall“Jane!”Hehadopenedfeelportalandstoodatit,waitingforme.
“ewherethereissomefreshness,forafewmoments,”hesaid;“thathouseisameredungeon:don’tyoufeelitso?”
“Itseemstomeasplendidmansion,sir.”
“Theglamourofinexperienceisoveryoureyes,”heanswered;“andyouseeitthroughacharmedmedium:youotdisthatthegildingisslimeandthesilkdraperiescobwebs;thatthemarbleissordidslate,andthepolishedwoodsmererefusechipsandscalybark.Nowhere”(hepoiheleafyenclosurewehadentered)“allisreal,sweet,andpure.”
Hestrayeddownawalkedgedwithbox,letrees,peartrees,areesononeside,andaborderoherfullofallsortsofold-fashionedflowers,stocks,sweet-williams,primroses,pansies,mihsouthernwood,sweet-briar,andvarirantherbs.TheywerefreshnowasasuccessionofAprilshowersandgleams,followedbyalovelyspringm,akethem:thesunwasjustenteringthedappledeast,andhislightillumihewreathedanddewyorchardtreesandshonedownthequietwalksuhem.
“Jane,willyouhaveaflower?”
Hegatheredahalf-blowhefirstonthebush,andofferedittome.
“Thankyou,sir.”
“Doyoulikethissunrise,Jahatskywithitshighandlightcloudswhicharesuretomeltawayasthedaywaxeswarm—thispladbalmlyatmosphere?”
“Ido,verymuch.”
“Youhavepassedastrangenight,Jane.”
“Yes,sir.”
“Andithasmadeyoulookpale—wereyouafraidwheyoualohMason?”
“Iwasafraidofsomeoneingoutoftheinnerroom.”
“ButIhadfastehedoor—Ihadthekeyinmypocket:IshouldhavebeenacarelessshepherdifIhadleftalamb—mypetlamb—sonearawolf’sden,unguarded:youweresafe.”
“WillGracePooleliveherestill,sir?”
“Ohyes!don’ttroubleyourheadabouther—putthethingoutofyourthoughts.”
“Yetitseemstomeyourlifeishardlysecurewhileshestays.”
“Neverfear—Iwilltakeyself.”
“Isthedangeryouapprehendedlastnightgonebynow,sir?”
“IotvouchforthattillMasonisoutofEngland:hen.Tolive,forme,Jaostandonacrater-crustwhichmaycradspuefireanyday.”
“ButMr.Masonseemsamaneasilyled.Yourinfluence,sir,isevidentlypotentwithhim:hewillyouatdefianceorwilfullyinjureyou.”
“Oh,no!Masonwillnotdefyme;nor,knowingit,willhehurtme—but,uionally,hemightinamoment,byonecarelessword,depriveme,ifnotoflife,yetforeverofhappiness.”
“Tellhimtobecautious,sir:lethimknowwhatyoufear,andshowhimhowtoavertthedanger.”
Helaughedsardonically,hastilytookmyhand,andashastilythrewitfromhim.
“IfIcoulddothat,simpleton,wherewouldthedangerbe?Annihilatedinamoment.EversinceIhaveknownMason,Ihaveonlyhadtosaytohim‘Dothat,’ahinghasbeeIotgivehimordersinthiscase:Iotsay‘Bewareme,Richard;’foritisimperativethatIshouldkeephimignorantthatharmtomeispossible.Nowyoulookpuzzled;andIwillpuzzleyoufurther.Youaremylittlefriend,areyounot?”
“Iliketoserveyou,sir,andtoobeyyouinallthatisright.”
“Precisely:Iseeyoudo.Iseegeeinyaitandmien,youreyeandface,whenyouarehelpingmeandpleasingme—wforme,andwithme,in,asyoucharacteristicallysay,‘allthatisright:’forifIbidyoudowhatyouthoughtwrong,therewouldbenolight-footedrunning,-handedalacrity,nolivelyglandanimatedplexion.Myfriendwouldthenturntome,quietandpale,andwouldsay,‘No,sir;thatisimpossible:Iotdoit,becauseitiswrong;’andwouldbemutableasafixedstar.Well,youtoohavepoweroverme,andmayinjureme:yetIdarenotshowyouwhereIamvulnerable,lest,faithfulandfriendlyasyouare,youshouldtransfixmeatonce.”
“IfyouhavenomoretofearfromMr.Masonthanyouhavefromme,sir,youareverysafe.”
“Godgrantitmaybeso!Here,Jane,isanarbour;sitdown.”
Thearbourwasanarthewall,lihivy;ittainedarusticseat.Mr.Rochestertookit,leavingroom,however,forme:butIstoodbeforehim.
“Sit,”hesaid;“thebenchislongenoughfortwo.Youdoatetotakeaplaceatmyside,doyou?Isthatwrong,Jane?”
Iansweredhimbyassumingit:torefusewould,Ifelt,havebeenunwise.
“Now,mylittlefriend,whilethesundrinksthedew—whilealltheflowersinthisoldgardenawakeandexpand,andthebirdsfetchtheiryoungones’breakfastoutoftheThornfield,andtheearlybeesdotheirfirstspellofwork—I’llputacasetoyou,whiustendeavourtosupposeyourown:butfirst,lookatme,andtellmeyouareatease,andnotfearingthatIerriainingyou,orthatyouerrinstaying.”
“No,sir;Iamtent.”
“Wellthen,Jane,calltoaidyourfancy:-supposeyouwerenolirlwellrearedanddisciplined,butawildboyindulgedfromchildhoodupwards;imagineyourselfiefnland;ceivethatyouthereitacapitalerror,nomatterofwhatnatureorfromwhatmotives,butonewhosesequencesmustfollowyhlifeandtaintallyourexistence.Mind,Idon’tsayacrime;Iamnotspeakingofsheddingofbloodoranyuiltyact,whichmightmaketheperpetratoramehelaw:mywordiserror.Theresultsofwhatyouhavedonebeeioyouutterlyinsupportable;youtakemeasurestoobtainrelief:unusualme松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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并不代表本站立场!本站亦无法严格审:Jane Eyre最新章节其版权归属。如您对Jane EyreTXT下载持有版权方面的异议，请联系本站客服。我们将于72小时内处理。
Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学