CHAPTER XXX 445
" Yes ; I wish to know whether you have heard of any service I can offer myself to undertake ?"
" I found or devised something for you three weeks ago ; but as you seemed both useful and happy here -- as my sisters had evidently become attached to you , and your society gave them unusual pleasure -- I deemed it inexpedient to break in on your mutual comfort till their approaching departure from Marsh End should render yours necessary ."
" And they will go in three days now ?" I said .
" Yes ; and when they go , I shall return to the parsonage at Morton : Hannah will accompany me ; and this old house will be shut up ."
I waited a few moments , expecting he would go on with the subject first broached : but he seemed to have entered another train of reflection : his look denoted abstraction from me and my business . I was obliged to recall him to a theme which was of necessity one of close and anxious interest to me .
" What is the employment you had in view , Mr . Rivers ? I hope this delay will not have increased the difficulty of securing it ."
" Oh , no ; since it is an employment which depends only on me to give , and you to accept ."
He again paused : there seemed a reluctance to continue . I grew impatient : a restless movement or two , and an eager and exacting glance fastened on his face , conveyed the feeling to him as effectually as words could have done , and with less trouble .
" You need be in no hurry to hear ," he said : " let me frankly tell you , I have nothing eligible or profitable to suggest . Before I explain , recall , if you please , my notice , clearly given , that if I helped you , it must be as the blind man would help the lame . I am poor ; for I find that , when I have paid my father ' s debts , all the patrimony remaining to me will be this crumbling