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."