CHAPTER XV 188
I did run ; I brought the candle which still remained in the gallery . He took it from my hand , held it up , and surveyed the bed , all blackened and scorched , the sheets drenched , the carpet round swimming in water .
" What is it ? and who did it ?" he asked . I briefly related to him what had transpired : the strange laugh I had heard in the gallery : the step ascending to the third storey ; the smoke , -- the smell of fire which had conducted me to his room ; in what state I had found matters there , and how I had deluged him with all the water I could lay hands on .
He listened very gravely ; his face , as I went on , expressed more concern than astonishment ; he did not immediately speak when I had concluded .
" Shall I call Mrs . Fairfax ?" I asked .
" Mrs . Fairfax ? No ; what the deuce would you call her for ? What can she do ? Let her sleep unmolested ."
" Then I will fetch Leah , and wake John and his wife ."
" Not at all : just be still . You have a shawl on . If you are not warm enough , you may take my cloak yonder ; wrap it about you , and sit down in the arm-chair : there , -- I will put it on . Now place your feet on the stool , to keep them out of the wet . I am going to leave you a few minutes . I shall take the candle . Remain where you are till I return ; be as still as a mouse . I must pay a visit to the second storey . Don ' t move , remember , or call any one ."
He went : I watched the light withdraw . He passed up the gallery very softly , unclosed the staircase door with as little noise as possible , shut it after him , and the last ray vanished . I was left in total darkness . I listened for some noise , but heard nothing . A very long time elapsed . I grew weary : it was cold , in spite of the cloak ; and then I did not see the use of staying , as I was not to rouse the house . I was on the point of risking Mr . Rochester ' s displeasure by disobeying his orders , when the light once more gleamed dimly on the gallery wall , and I heard his unshod feet tread the