The attentive house-maid disrobed me, and bathed
my chilled and frosted feet and swollen hands in water tempered with
alcohol. Then arraying me in a mob-cap and snowy cotton gown, the
property of good Mrs. Jessup, placed me in the soft nest prepared for
sojourners beneath that homely but hospitable roof.
"I hope thee is comfortable, Miriam Monfort," said Mrs. Jessup, after I
was ensconced in bed. "Why, thy face is the same, after all, that I
remember when thou wert a very little girl, and used to walk out with
Mrs. Austin. She is well, I hope?" settling the bed-cover.
"I cannot tell you, Mrs. Jessup. I must rather ask such questions of
you. When did you see her last? and Mabel--do you know my little
sister?"
"Oh, yes, I know her perfectly well by sight. Let me see, it was Sabbath
before last that, just as I was coming out of Friends' meeting-house, I
saw Mabel Monfort, a pretty maiden, truly, walking with her step-sister,
I think, and a tall and stately gentleman. But Mrs. Austin I have not
seen since last rose-time, and then only in passing. She seemed well,
but wore a troubled face."
"Yes, yes; she was troubled, no doubt, things were so altered; and, if
her heart had not turned to stone, she must have thought of me sometimes
regretfully. But all bids fair now, Mrs. Jessup, both for me and her,
and for Mabel.
Pages:
578
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602