Confession - Page 214/274

She was silent. I fancied there was something like distress apparent

in her countenance. I continued:-"There is one thing, Julia, about which I am not altogether

satisfied."

"Ah!" with much anxiety; "what is that?"

"I owe so much to his father, that, in his present condition, I

fancy we ought to receive him in our house. We should not let him

go among strangers, exposed to the noise and neglect of a hotel."

There was some abruptness in her answer:-"I do not see how you can bring him here. You forget that we are mere

lodgers ourselves; indebted for our accommodation to the kindness

of a lady upon whom we should have no right to press other lodgers.

Such an arrangement would crowd the house, and make all parties

uncomfortable. Besides, I suppose Mr. Edgerton will scarcely

remain long enough in M---to make it of much importance where he

lodges, and when he finds the tavern uncomfortable he will take

his departure."

"But should he get sick at the tavern?"

"Such a chance would follow him wherever he went. That is the risk

which every man incurs when he goes abroad. He has a servant with

him--no doubt a favorite servant."

"Should he get sick, Julia, even a favorite servant will not be

enough. It will be our duty to make other provision for him. I owe

his father much; the old man evidently expects much from me by his

last letter. I owe the son much. He has been a true friend to me.

I must do for him as if he were a brother, and should he get sick,

Julia, you must be his nurse."

"Impossible, Mr. Clifford!" she replied, with unwonted energy,

while a deep, dark flush settled over her otherwise placid features,

which were now not merely discomposed but ruffled. "It is impossible

that I should be what you require. Suffer me, in this case, to

determine my duties for myself. Do for YOUR FRIEND what you think

proper. You can provide a nurse, and secure by money, the best

attendance in the town. I do not think that I can do better service

than a hundred others whom you may procure; and you will permit me

to say, without seeking to displease you, that I will not attempt

it."

I was not displeased at what she said, but it was not my policy

to admit this. With an air almost of indignation, I replied: "And you would leave my friend to perish?"

"I trust he will not perish--I sincerely trust he will continue in

health while he remains here. I implore you, dear husband, to make

no requisition such as this. I can not serve your friend in this

capacity. I pray that he may not need it."