Незнакомка из Уайлдфелл-Холла. Уровень 2 / The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

“As for me, sir,” I began, but snatched up my hat and bolted from the room. The next minute I was hurrying in the direction of Wildfell Hall.

Chapter XII

In little more than twenty minutes the journey was accomplished. I paused at the gate to wipe my forehead, and recover my breath. The rapid walking mitigated my excitement; and with a firm and steady tread I paced the garden-walk. I caught a sight of Mrs. Graham, through the open window. She seemed agitated and even dismayed at my arrival.

“I am come at an unseasonable hour,” said I; “but I won't stay long.”

She smiled upon me.

“How dismal you are, Helen! Why have you no fire?” I said.

“It is summer yet,” she replied.

“But we always have a fire in the evenings; and you especially require one in this cold house and dreary room.”

“You must not stay long, Gilbert,” said she.

“I'm not going to,” said I.

“But, Helen, I've something to say to you before I go.”

“What is it?”

“No, not now – I don't know yet precisely what it is, or how to say it,” replied I.

Meanwhile Rachel came in to kindle the fire.

“Gilbert, it is getting late,” Helen said.

“I see,” said I. “You want me to go, I suppose?”

“I think you ought. If my kind neighbours know of this visit – as no doubt they will – they will not turn it much to my advantage.

”

“Let them turn it as they will,” said I. “What are their thoughts to you or me, so long as we are satisfied with ourselves – and each other. Let them go to the deuce with their vile constructions and their lying inventions!”

“You have heard, then, what they say of me?”

“I heard some detestable falsehoods; but none but fools credit them, Helen, so don't let them trouble you.”

“I did not think Mr.

Millward a fool, and he believes it all. However little you may esteem them as individuals, it is not pleasant to be a liar and a hypocrite.”

“True. So authorise me to clear your name from every. Give me the right to identify your honour with my own, and to defend your reputation as more precious than my life!”

“Are you hero enough to unite yourself to one whom everybody despises? Think! It is a serious thing.