CHAPTER XV 190
" But not without taking leave ; not without a word or two of acknowledgment and good-will : not , in short , in that brief , dry fashion . Why , you have saved my life ! -- snatched me from a horrible and excruciating death ! and you walk past me as if we were mutual strangers ! At least shake hands ."
He held out his hand ; I gave him mine : he took it first in one , them in both his own .
" You have saved my life : I have a pleasure in owing you so immense a debt . I cannot say more . Nothing else that has being would have been tolerable to me in the character of creditor for such an obligation : but you : it is different ; -- I feel your benefits no burden , Jane ."
He paused ; gazed at me : words almost visible trembled on his lips , - -but his voice was checked .
" Good-night again , sir . There is no debt , benefit , burden , obligation , in the case ."
" I knew ," he continued , " you would do me good in some way , at some time ; -- I saw it in your eyes when I first beheld you : their expression and smile did not " -- ( again he stopped ) -- " did not " ( he proceeded hastily ) " strike delight to my very inmost heart so for nothing . People talk of natural sympathies ; I have heard of good genii : there are grains of truth in the wildest fable . My cherished preserver , goodnight !"
Strange energy was in his voice , strange fire in his look . " I am glad I happened to be awake ," I said : and then I was going . " What ! you WILL go ?" " I am cold , sir ."