Page 1038 - bleak-house

put it on. Then I remembered last night and told Richard
that ever since her marriage she had worn it at night when
there was no one to see. Then Ada blushingly asked me how
did I know that, my dear. Then I told Ada how I had seen
her hand concealed under her pillow and had little thought
why, my dear. Then they began telling me how it was all over
again, and I began to be sorry and glad again, and foolish
again, and to hide my plain old face as much as I could lest
I should put them out of heart.
Thus the time went on until it became necessary for me
to think of returning. When that time arrived it was the
worst of all, for then my darling completely broke down.
She clung round my neck, calling me by every dear name
she could think of and saying what should she do without
me! Nor was Richard much better; and as for me, I should
have been the worst of the three if I had not severely said
to myself, ‘Now Esther, if you do, I’ll never speak to you
again!’
‘Why, I declare,’ said I, ‘I never saw such a wife. I don’t
think she loves her husband at all. Here, Richard, take my
child, for goodness’ sake.’ But I held her tight all the while,
and could have wept over her I don’t know how long.
‘I give this dear young couple notice,’ said I, ‘that I am
only going away to come back to-morrow and that I shall
be always coming backwards and forwards until Symond’s
Inn is tired of the sight of me. So I shall not say good-bye,
Richard. For what would be the use of that, you know, when
I am coming back so soon!’
I had given my darling to him now, and I meant to go;

1038 Bleak House