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