"Let me alone," was the answer.

John withdrew without having observed me. Mr. Rochester now tried to walk about: vainly,- all was too uncertain. He groped his way back to the house，and，re-entering it，closed the door.

I now drew near and knocked: John"s wife opened for me. "Mary," I said，"how are you?"

She started as if she had seen a ghost: I calmed her. To her hurried "Is it really you，miss，e at this late hour to this lonely place?" I answered by taking her hand; and then I followed her into the kitchen，where John now sat by a good fire. I explained to them，in a few words，that I had heard all which had happened since I left Thornfield，and that I was e to see Mr. Rochester. I asked John to go down to the turnpike-house，where I had dismissed the chaise，and bring my trunk，which I had left there: and then，while I removed my bonnet and shawl，I questioned Mary as to whether I could be acmodated at the Manor House for the night; and finding that arrangements to that effect，though difficult，would not be impossible，I informed her I should stay. just at this moment the parlour-bell rang.

"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.