No sooner did I see that his attention was riveted on [the other guests], and that I might gaze without being observed, than my eyes were drawn involuntarily to his face: I could not keep their lids under control: they would rise and the irids would fix on him. I looked, and had an acute pleasure in looking, - a precious, yet poignant pleasure; pure gold, with a steely point of agony; a pleasure like what the thirst-perishing man might feel who knows the well to which he has crept is poisoned, yet stoops and drinks divine draughts nevertheless. (from chapter 17)
This is a lovely book which I have revisited many times in the last 30 years.
4 comments:
I read this book for the first time a couple of years ago. I was saddened that I hadn't read it earlier. It definately is a lovely book! It is probably time for a re-read.
I need to reread this book too. I am supposed to reread it for a few reading challenges this year. I read it in High School but barely remember anything. I started reading it again and could not get into it so I put it down. I hope to pick it back up soon. :)
You know it is one of my favorites. And I too love that passage...who am I kidding, I wish you'd quoted the whole book!
I'm a fan too. I read a wonderful bio by Elizabeth Gaskell that made me an even bigger fan. Such a fascinating figure.
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