Page 637 - david-copperfield

I noticed, I remember, as he paused, looking at me with
his handsome head a little thrown back, and his glass raised
in his hand, that, though the freshness of the sea-wind was
on his face, and it was ruddy, there were traces in it, made
since I last saw it, as if he had applied himself to some ha-
bitual strain of the fervent energy which, when roused, was
so passionately roused within him. I had it in my thoughts
to remonstrate with him upon his desperate way of pursu-
ing any fancy that he took - such as this buffeting of rough
seas, and braving of hard weather, for example - when my
mind glanced off to the immediate subject of our conversa-
tion again, and pursued that instead.
‘I tell you what, Steerforth,’ said I, ‘if your high spirits
will listen to me -’
‘They are potent spirits, and will do whatever you like,’ he
answered, moving from the table to the fireside again.
‘Then I tell you what, Steerforth. I think I will go down
and see my old nurse. It is not that I can do her any good,
or render her any real service; but she is so attached to me
that my visit will have as much effect on her, as if I could do
both. She will take it so kindly that it will be a comfort and
support to her. It is no great effort to make, I am sure, for
such a friend as she has been to me. Wouldn’t you go a day’s
journey, if you were in my place?’
His face was thoughtful, and he sat considering a little
before he answered, in a low voice, ‘Well! Go. You can do
no harm.’
‘You have just come back,’ said I, ‘and it would be in vain
to ask you to go with me?’

David Copperfield