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."