"Yes，sir，to fort you，as well as I could."

"And if they laid you under a ban for adhering to me?"

"I，probably，should know nothing about their ban; and if I did，I should care nothing about it."

"Then，you could dare censure for my sake?"

"I could dare it for the sake of any friend who deserved my adherence; as you，I am sure，do."

"Go back now into the room; step quietly up to Mason，and whisper in his ear that Mr. Rochester is e and wishes to see him: show him in here and then leave me."

"Yes，sir."

I did his behest. The pany all stared at me as I passed straight among them. I sought Mr. Mason，delivered the message，and preceded him from the room: I ushered him into the library，and then I went upstairs.

At a late hour，after I had been in bed some time，I heard the visitors repair to their chambers: I distinguished Mr. Rochester"s voice，and heard him say，"This way，Mason; this is your room."

He spoke cheerfully: the gay tones set my heart at ease. I was soon asleep.