Page:Jane Eyre (1st edition), Volume 2.djvu/66

58 "I am very well, sir."

"Why did you not come and speak to me in the room?"

I thought I might have retorted the question on him who put it: but I would not take that freedom. I answered:—

"I did not wish to disturb you, as you seemed engaged, sir."

"What have you been doing during my absence?"

"Nothing particular: teaching Adèle as usual."

"And getting a good deal paler than you were—as I saw at first sight. What is the matter?"

"Nothing at all, sir."

"Did you take any cold that night you half drowned me?"

"Not the least."

"Return to the drawing-room: you are deserting too early,"

"I am tired, sir."

He looked at me for a minute.

"And a little depressed;" he said, "What about? Tell me."

"Nothing—nothing, sir. I am not depressed."

"But I affirm that you are: so much