CHAPTER XX 271
fastened ; I opened it with as little noise as possible : all the yard was quiet ; but the gates stood wide open , and there was a post-chaise , with horses ready harnessed , and driver seated on the box , stationed outside . I approached him , and said the gentlemen were coming ; he nodded : then I looked carefully round and listened . The stillness of early morning slumbered everywhere ; the curtains were yet drawn over the servants ' chamber windows ; little birds were just twittering in the blossom-blanched orchard trees , whose boughs drooped like white garlands over the wall enclosing one side of the yard ; the carriage horses stamped from time to time in their closed stables : all else was still .
The gentlemen now appeared . Mason , supported by Mr . Rochester and the surgeon , seemed to walk with tolerable ease : they assisted him into the chaise ; Carter followed .
" Take care of him ," said Mr . Rochester to the latter , " and keep him at your house till he is quite well : I shall ride over in a day or two to see how he gets on . Richard , how is it with you ?"
" The fresh air revives me , Fairfax ."
" Leave the window open on his side , Carter ; there is no wind -- good- bye , Dick ."
" Fairfax -- " " Well what is it ?"
" Let her be taken care of ; let her be treated as tenderly as may be : let her -- " he stopped and burst into tears .
" I do my best ; and have done it , and will do it ," was the answer : he shut up the chaise door , and the vehicle drove away .
" Yet would to God there was an end of all this !" added Mr . Rochester , as he closed and barred the heavy yard-gates .