Page 52 - bleak-house

sit down near him. That he admired her and was interested
by her even I could see in a moment. It touched me that the
home of such a beautiful young creature should be repre-
sented by that dry, official place. The Lord High Chancellor,
at his best, appeared so poor a substitute for the love and
pride of parents.
‘The Jarndyce in question,’ said the Lord Chancellor, still
turning over leaves, ‘is Jarndyce of Bleak House.’
‘Jarndyce of Bleak House, my lord,’ said Mr. Kenge.
‘A dreary name,’ said the Lord Chancellor.
‘But not a dreary place at present, my lord,’ said Mr.
Kenge.
‘And Bleak House,’ said his lordship, ‘is in—‘
‘Hertfordshire, my lord.’
‘Mr. Jarndyce of Bleak House is not married?’ said his
lordship.
‘He is not, my lord,’ said Mr. Kenge.
A pause.
‘Young Mr. Richard Carstone is present?’ said the Lord
Chancellor, glancing towards him.
Richard bowed and stepped forward.
‘Hum!’ said the Lord Chancellor, turning over more
leaves.
‘Mr. Jarndyce of Bleak House, my lord,’ Mr. Kenge ob-
served in a low voice, ‘if I may venture to remind your
lordship, provides a suitable companion for—‘
‘For Mr. Richard Carstone?’ I thought (but I am not
quite sure) I heard his lordship say in an equally low voice
and with a smile.

52 Bleak House