must just stand on one side;” he answered as he rose; first to his knees; and then to his feet。 I did; whereupon began a heaving; stamping; clattering process; acpanied by a barking and baying which removed me effectually some yards’ distance; but I would not be driven quite away till I saw the event。 This was finally fortunate; the horse was re…established; and the dog was silenced with a “Down; Pilot!” The traveller now; stooping; felt his foot and leg; as if trying whether they were sound; apparently something ailed them; for he halted to the stile whence I had just risen; and sat down。
I was in the mood for being useful; or at least officious; I think; for I now drew near him again。
“If you are hurt; and want help; sir; I can fetch some one either from Thornfield Hall or from Hay。”
“Thank you: I shall do: I have no broken bones;—only a sprain;” and again he stood up and tried his foot; but the result extorted an involuntary “Ugh!”
Something of daylight still lingered; and the moon was waxing bright: I could see him plainly。 His figure was enveloped in a riding cloak; fur collared and steel clasped; its details were not apparent; but I traced the general points of middle height and considerable breadth of chest。 He had a dark face; with stern features and a heavy brow; his eyes and gathered eyebrows looked ireful and thwarted just now; he was past youth; but had not reached middle…age; perhaps he might be thirty…five。 I felt no fear of him; and