And then the doctor said Francois was out of danger and if ever there was

a thankful set, in this world, it was us."

Laura's respect for these, women had augmented during this conversation,

naturally enough; affection and devotion are qualities that are able to

adorn and render beautiful a character that is otherwise unattractive,

and even repulsive.

Mrs. Gashly--"I do believe I would a died if I had been in your place,

Mrs. Oreille. The time Hildebrand was so low with the pneumonia

Emmeline and me were all, alone with him most of the time and we never

took a minute's sleep for as much as two days, and nights. It was at

Newport and we wouldn't trust hired nurses. One afternoon he had a fit,

and jumped up and run out on the portico of the hotel with nothing in the

world on and the wind a blowing liken ice and we after him scared to

death; and when the ladies and gentlemen saw that he had a fit, every

lady scattered for her room and not a gentleman lifted his hand to help,

the wretches! Well after that his life hung by a thread for as much as

ten days, and the minute he was out of danger Emmeline and me just went

to bed sick and worn out. I never want to pass through such a time

again. Poor dear Francois--which leg did he break, Mrs. Oreille!"

Mrs. O.--"It was his right hand hind leg. Jump down, Francois dear, and

show the ladies what a cruel limp you've got yet."

Francois demurred, but being coaxed and delivered gently upon the floor,

356

The Gilded Age