Page 476 - bleak-house

able, and I remonstrated with myself about it as much as I
could.
One incident that occurred before we quitted Mr. Boy-
thorn’s house, I had better mention in this place.
I was walking in the garden with Ada and when I was
told that some one wished to see me. Going into the break-
fast-room where this person was waiting, I found it to be the
French maid who had cast off her shoes and walked through
the wet grass on the day when it thundered and lightened.
‘Mademoiselle,’ she began, looking fixedly at me with her
too-eager eyes, though otherwise presenting an agreeable
appearance and speaking neither with boldness nor ser-
vility, ‘I have taken a great liberty in coming here, but you
know how to excuse it, being so amiable, mademoiselle.’
‘No excuse is necessary,’ I returned, ‘if you wish to speak
to me.’
‘That is my desire, mademoiselle. A thousand thanks for
the permission. I have your leave to speak. Is it not?’ she said
in a quick, natural way.
‘Certainly,’ said I.
‘Mademoiselle, you are so amiable! Listen then, if you
please. I have left my Lady. We could not agree. My Lady is
so high, so very high. Pardon! Mademoiselle, you are right!’
Her quickness anticipated what I might have said presently
but as yet had only thought. ‘It is not for me to come here to
complain of my Lady. But I say she is so high, so very high. I
will not say a word more. All the world knows that.’
‘Go on, if you please,’ said I.
‘Assuredly; mademoiselle, I am thankful for your polite-

476 Bleak House