quitted the room, he took his seat in the place he generally
chose, and I put a basin of coffee before him. He drew it nearer, and
then rested his arms on the table, and looked at the opposite wall, as I
supposed surveying one particular portion, up and down, with glittering,
restless eyes, and with such eager interest that he stopped breathing
during half a minute together.

"Come now," I exclaimed, pushing some bread against his hand, "eat and
drink that while it is hot. It has been waiting near an hour."

He didn't notice me, and yet he smiled. I'd rather have seen him gnash
his teeth than smile so.

"Mr. Heathcliff! master!" I cried. "Don't, for God's sake, stare as if
you saw an unearthly vision."

"Don't, for God's sake, shout so loud," he replied. "Turn round and tell
me, are we by ourselves?"

"Of course," was my answer, "of course we are!"

Still I involuntarily obeyed him, as if I were not quite sure. With a
sweep of his hand he cleared a vacant space in front among the breakfast
things, and leaned forward to gaze more at his ease.

Now I perceived he was not looking at the wall; for when I regarded him
alone, it seemed exactly that he gazed at something within two yards'
distance. And, whatever it was, it communicated apparently both pleasure
and pain in exquisite extremes; at least the anguished yet raptured
expression of his countenance suggested that idea.

The fancied object was not fixed either; his eyes pursued it with
unwearied vigilance, and even in speaking to me, were never weaned away.

I vainly reminded him of his protracted abstinence from food. If he
stirred to touch anything in compliance with my entreaties--if he
stretched his hand out to get a piece of bread--his fingers clenched
before they reached it, and remained on the table, forgetful of
their aim.

I sat, a model of patience, trying to attract his absorbed attention
from its engrossing speculation till he grew irritable and got up,
asking why I would not allow him to have his own time in taking his
meals? and saying that on the next occasion I needn't wait--I might set
the things down and go. Having uttered these words, he left the house,
slowly sauntered down the garden path, and disappeared through the gate.

The hours crept anxiously by: another evening came. I did not retire to
rest till late, and when I did I could not sleep. He returned after
midnight, and instead of going to bed, shut himself into the room
beneath.