CHAPTER XX 270
He held out the tiny glass, and I half filled it from the water-bottle on the washstand.
" That will do;-- now wet the lip of the phial."
I did so; he measured twelve drops of a crimson liquid, and presented it to Mason.
" Drink, Richard: it will give you the heart you lack, for an hour or so." " But will it hurt me?-- is it inflammatory?" " Drink! drink! drink!"
Mr. Mason obeyed, because it was evidently useless to resist. He was dressed now: he still looked pale, but he was no longer gory and sullied. Mr. Rochester let him sit three minutes after he had swallowed the liquid; he then took his arm-
" Now I am sure you can get on your feet," he said-- " try." The patient rose.
" Carter, take him under the other shoulder. Be of good cheer, Richard; step out-- that ' s it!"
" I do feel better," remarked Mr. Mason.
" I am sure you do. Now, Jane, trip on before us away to the backstairs; unbolt the side-passage door, and tell the driver of the post-chaise you will see in the yard-- or just outside, for I told him not to drive his rattling wheels over the pavement-- to be ready; we are coming: and, Jane, if any one is about, come to the foot of the stairs and hem."
It was by this time half-past five, and the sun was on the point of rising; but I found the kitchen still dark and silent. The side- passage door was