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