Page 195 (1/2)

It was by this ti; but I found the kitchen still dark and silent The side-

passage door was fastened; I opened it with as little noise as

possible: all the yard was quiet; but the gates stood wide open,

and there was a post-chaise, with horses ready harnessed, and driver

seated on the box, stationed outside I approached hi; he nodded: then I looked carefully round

and listened The stillness of earlyslumbered everywhere;

the curtains were yet drawn over the servants' cha in the blossoarlands over the wall

enclosing one side of the yard; the carriage horses stamped from

time to tientlemen now appeared Mason, supported by Mr Rochester and

the surgeon, seemed to ith tolerable ease: they assisted him

into the chaise; Carter followed

"Take care of him," said Mr Rochester to the latter, "and keep him

at your house till he is quite well: I shall ride over in a day or

two to see how he gets on Richard, how is it with you?"

"The fresh air revives me, Fairfax"

"Leave theopen on his side, Carter; there is no wind--good-

bye, Dick"

"Fairfax--"