She was embroidering a white merino cloak for an infant, in a
pattern so rich and elaborate, that Mrs. Sutton groaned in
commingled admiration and sympathy as she inspected it.
"You are throwing time and strength away upon this work!" she
expostulated. "I don't know another lady in your circumstances who
would not take her friends' advice, and put out all the sewing you
need to have done. But your eyes and fingers have labored
incessantly for six months upon the finest work you could devise,
and you begin to look like a shadow. I don't wonder Mr. Dorrance
seems uneasy sometimes. He complained this morning that you did not
take enough exercise in the open air."
"He is not anxious, nor should he be. I am well, and stronger than
you will believe. As to the work, it has been one great delight of
my existence during the period you speak of. I could not endure that
anybody but myself should assist in fashioning the dainty, tiny
garments that make my hope an almost present reality. Every stitch
seems to bring nearer the fulfilment of the dear promise. I only
regret that this is the last of the set. I shall be at a loss for
occupation for the next two months. And I fear from something
Herbert said to-day, that he does not intend for me to return to
Albany until the spring fairly opens. Dr. Williams has been talking
to him about my cough."
"Dr. Williams is a fussy old woman, and Mr. Dorrance"--began Mrs.
Sutton.
Mabel quietly took up the word.
"Mr. Dorrance is ignorant of diseases and medicines, as men usually
are who have not studied these with a view to practise upon
themselves or others. I have said that he is not really uneasy; but
he says, and with truth, that the Northern March and April are raw
and cold, and will try my strength severely. Winston and Clara share
in his fears. It is very kind in them to tender me the hospitalities
of their house for so long a time, but I should feel more at home in
my own, during my illness and convalescence."
"Why not tell your husband this plainly?"
"Because it might bias his judgment and embarrass his action. I am
willing to do as he thinks best."
There were not many subjects upon which Mrs. Sutton was irascible,
but she patted the floor with her foot now as if this was one of
them--her discontent finding vent at length in what she regarded as
a perfectly safe query.