CHAPTER XX 269
" Now ," said he , " go to the other side of the bed while I order his toilet ; but don ' t leave the room : you may be wanted again ."
I retired as directed .
" Was anybody stirring below when you went down , Jane ?" inquired Mr . Rochester presently .
" No , sir ; all was very still ."
" We shall get you off cannily , Dick : and it will be better , both for your sake , and for that of the poor creature in yonder . I have striven long to avoid exposure , and I should not like it to come at last . Here , Carter , help him on with his waist-coat . Where did you leave your furred cloak ? You can ' t travel a mile without that , I know , in this damned cold climate . In your room ? -- Jane , run down to Mr . Mason ' s room , -- the one next mine , -- and fetch a cloak you will see there ."
Again I ran , and again returned , bearing an immense mantle lined and edged with fur .
" Now , I ' ve another errand for you ," said my untiring master ; " you must away to my room again . What a mercy you are shod with velvet , Jane ! -- a clod-hopping messenger would never do at this juncture . You must open the middle drawer of my toilet-table and take out a little phial and a little glass you will find there , -- quick !"
I flew thither and back , bringing the desired vessels .
" That ' s well ! Now , doctor , I shall take the liberty of administering a dose myself , on my own responsibility . I got this cordial at Rome , of an Italian charlatan -- a fellow you would have kicked , Carter . It is not a thing to be used indiscriminately , but it is good upon occasion : as now , for instance . Jane , a little water ."