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Pardon me, madam: no need of explanation; your own fine sense must inform you that one of your frowns would be a sufficient substitute for capital punishment. Sing! said she, and again touching the piano, she commenced an accompaniment in spirited style. Now is my time to slip away, thought I: but the tones that then severed the air arrested me. Mrs. Fairfax had said Mr. Rochester possessed a fine voice: he dida mellow, powerful bass, into which he threw his own feeling, his own force; finding a way through the ear to the heart, and there waking sensation strangely. I waited till the last deep and full vibration had expiredtill the tide of talk, checked an instant, had resumed its flow; I then quitted my sheltered corner and made my exit by the side-door, which was fortunately near. Thence a narrow 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 Adèle as usual. And getting a good deal paler than you wereas 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 she 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. Nothingnothing, sir. I am not depressed. But I affirm that you are: so much depressed that a few more words would bring tears to your eyesindeed, 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; dont neglect it. Now go, and send Sophie for Adèle. Good-night, my He stopped, bit his lip, and abruptly left me. |
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