***
Three different times tapped I at the door, but had no answer.
Permit me, dearest creature, to inquire after your health. As you have
not been seen to-day, I am impatient to know how you do.
Not a word of answer; but a deep sigh, even to sobbing.
Let me beg of you, Madam, to accompany me up another pair of stairs--
you'll rejoice to see what a happy escape we have all had.
A happy escape indeed, Jack!--For the fire had scorched the window-board,
singed the hangings, and burnt through the slit-deal linings of the
window-jambs.
No answer, Madam!--Am I not worthy of one word?--Is it thus you keep your
promise with me?--Shall I not have the favour of your company for two
minutes [only for two minutes] in the dining-room?
Hem!--and a deep sigh!--were all the answer.
Answer me but how you do! Answer me but that you are well! Is this the
forgiveness that was the condition of my obedience?
Then, with a faintish, but angry voice, begone from my door!--Wretch!
inhuman, barbarous, and all that is base and treacherous! begone from my
door! Nor tease thus a poor creature, entitled to protection, not
outrage.
I see, Madam, how you keep your word with me--if a sudden impulse, the
effects of an unthought-of accident, cannot be forgiven--
O the dreadful weight of a father's curse, thus in the very letter of
it--
And then her voice dying away in murmurs inarticulate, I looked through
the key-hole, and saw her on her knees, her face, though not towards me,
lifted up, as well as hands, and these folded, depreciating, I suppose,
that gloomy tyrant's curse.