CHAPTER XXXVII 544
" When you go in ," said I , " tell your master that a person wishes to speak to him , but do not give my name ."
" I don ' t think he will see you ," she answered ; " he refuses everybody ."
When she returned , I inquired what he had said . " You are to send in your name and your business ," she replied . She then proceeded to fill a glass with water , and place it on a tray , together with candles .
" Is that what he rang for ?" I asked . " Yes : he always has candles brought in at dark , though he is blind ." " Give the tray to me ; I will carry it in ."
I took it from her hand : she pointed me out the parlour door . The tray shook as I held it ; the water spilt from the glass ; my heart struck my ribs loud and fast . Mary opened the door for me , and shut it behind me .
This parlour looked gloomy : a neglected handful of fire burnt low in the grate ; and , leaning over it , with his head supported against the high , old-fashioned mantelpiece , appeared the blind tenant of the room . His old dog , Pilot , lay on one side , removed out of the way , and coiled up as if afraid of being inadvertently trodden upon . Pilot pricked up his ears when I came in : then he jumped up with a yelp and a whine , and bounded towards me : he almost knocked the tray from my hands . I set it on the table ; then patted him , and said softly , " Lie down !" Mr . Rochester turned mechanically to SEE what the commotion was : but as he SAW nothing , he returned and sighed .
" Give me the water , Mary ," he said .
I approached him with the now only half-filled glass ; Pilot followed me , still excited .
" What is the matter ?" he inquired .