It had not occurred to me before that, in order to go on shore
respectably clad, some attire very different from a bed-gown would be
essential, and I could but feel grateful for such proofs of unselfish
consideration on the part of strangers, pitying both my indigence and
imbecility, and so expressed myself.
In accordance with their generous intentions, I submitted myself to be
arrayed by Mrs. Clayton and her mistress: first, in the flimsy
black-silk gown now completed, on which I had seen my attendant working
when I first unclosed my eyes after long unconsciousness, and the
measure which she had taken, while I lay in this condition, as coolly in
all probability as an undertaker measures a corpse for its shroud;
secondly, in a cardinal of the same material, a wrapping cut in the
shape in vogue at that period; thirdly, in certain loosely-fitting boots
and gloves with which I was fain to cover up my naked feet and blistered
hands _in forma pauperis_ and, lastly, in the collarette and cuffs
provided by the economic and considerate Lady Anastasia, composed of
cotton lace! The Dunstable bonnet was hung upon a peg in readiness, and
I was kindly counseled to lie still, "accoutred as I was," and exhausted
by means of such accoutrement as I felt, until evening should find us
riding in our harbor.
Then there was a little, low consulting at the door with the renowned
"ship's doctor," who positively refused to approach me because he had
just come from a case of ship-fever in the steerage, which he feared to
communicate to one in my precarious state, but who sent in his
imperative orders that I should have soup and sherry-cobbler forthwith,
and try and build up my strength for the time of debarkation--speaking
in a low, growling voice divested of its former clearness, but still
strangely resembling that of Basil Bainrothe!
"The poor man is so fagged out," said Mrs.
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