“I did not bid you come,” Saton answered. “This is my spot, and my hour. It was you who intruded.”
“The fact that this is my property——” Rochester began, gently.
“Is of no consequence,” Saton answered. “You may buy the earth upon which we stand, but you cannot buy the person whose feet shall press it, or the thoughts that rise up from it, or the words that are breathed from it, or the hopes and passions which go trembling from it to the skies. Go away and jog homeward behind your fat pony, but——”
“Well, sir?” Rochester asked, turning suddenly.
Saton’s eyes did not meet his. They were fixed upon Pauline’s, and Pauline was as white as death.
“Take her, too, if you will,” Saton said slowly. “Take her, too, if she will go.”
“I am going this instant,” Pauline cried, with a sudden nervous passion in her tone. “Come, Henry, come away. I hate this place. Come away quickly.”
Rochester caught her hand. It was cold as a stone. She was pale, and she commenced to tremble.
“Take her,” Saton said, “if she will go. Take her, because you are strong and she is weak. Lead her by the arm, guide her as you will, only be sure that you leave nothing with me.”