CHAPTER XX 277
" Little friend ," said he , in quite a changed tone -- while his face changed too , losing all its softness and gravity , and becoming harsh and sarcastic -- " you have noticed my tender penchant for Miss Ingram : don ' t you think if I married her she would regenerate me with a vengeance ?"
He got up instantly , went quite to the other end of the walk , and when he came back he was humming a tune .
" Jane , Jane ," said he , stopping before me , " you are quite pale with your vigils : don ' t you curse me for disturbing your rest ?"
" Curse you ? No , sir ."
" Shake hands in confirmation of the word . What cold fingers ! They were warmer last night when I touched them at the door of the mysterious chamber . Jane , when will you watch with me again ?"
" Whenever I can be useful , sir ."
" For instance , the night before I am married ! I am sure I shall not be able to sleep . Will you promise to sit up with me to bear me company ? To you I can talk of my lovely one : for now you have seen her and know her ."
" Yes , sir ." " She ' s a rare one , is she not , Jane ?" " Yes , sir ."
" A strapper -- a real strapper , Jane : big , brown , and buxom ; with hair just such as the ladies of Carthage must have had . Bless me ! there ' s Dent and Lynn in the stables ! Go in by the shrubbery , through that wicket ."
As I went one way , he went another , and I heard him in the yard , saying cheerfully -