English
THESTORYCONTINUEDBYELIZAMICHELSON,
HousekeeperatBlackwaterPark
IamaskedtostateplainlywhatIknowoftheprogressofMissHalcombe’sillnessandofthecircumstancesunderwhichLadyGlydeleftBlackwaterParkforLondon.
Thereasongivenformakingthisdemandonmeis,thatmytestimonyiswantedintheinterestsoftruth.
AsthewidowofaclergymanoftheChurchofEngland(reducedbymisfortunetothenecessityofacceptingasituation),Ihavebeentaughttoplacetheclaimsoftruthaboveallotherconsiderations.
IthereforecomplywitharequestwhichImightotherwise,throughreluctancetoconnectmyselfwithdistressingfamilyaffairs,havehesitatedtogrant.
Imadenomemorandumatthetime,andIcannotthereforebesuretoadayofthedate,butIbelieveIamcorrectinstatingthatMissHalcombe’sseriousillnessbeganduringthelastfortnightortendaysinJune.
ThebreakfasthourwaslateatBlackwaterPark—sometimesaslateasten,neverearlierthanhalf-pastnine.
OnthemorningtowhichIamnowreferring,MissHalcombe(whowasusuallythefirsttocomedown)didnotmakeherappearanceatthetable.
Afterthefamilyhadwaitedaquarterofanhour,theupperhousemaidwassenttoseeafterher,andcamerunningoutoftheroomdreadfullyfrightened.
Imettheservantonthestairs,andwentatoncetoMissHalcombetoseewhatwasthematter.
Thepoorladywasincapableoftellingme.
Shewaswalkingaboutherroomwithapeninherhand,quitelight-headed,inastateofburningfever.
LadyGlyde(beingnolongerinSirPercival’sservice,Imay,withoutimpropriety,mentionmyformermistressbyhername,insteadofcallinghermylady)wasthefirsttocomeinfromherownbedroom.
Shewassodreadfullyalarmedanddistressedthatshewasquiteuseless.
TheCountFosco,andhislady,whocameupstairsimmediatelyafterwards,werebothmostserviceableandkind.
HerladyshipassistedmetogetMissHalcombetoherbed.
HislordshiptheCountremainedinthesitting-room,andhavingsentformymedicine-chest,madeamixtureforMissHalcombe,andacoolinglotiontobeappliedtoherhead,soastolosenotimebeforethedoctorcame.
Weappliedthelotion,butwecouldnotgethertotakethemixture.
SirPercivalundertooktosendforthedoctor.
Hedespatchedagroom,onhorseback,forthenearestmedicalman,Mr.Dawson,ofOakLodge.
Mr.Dawsonarrivedinlessthananhour’stime.
Hewasarespectableelderlyman,wellknownallroundthecountry,andweweremuchalarmedwhenwefoundthatheconsideredthecasetobeaveryseriousone.
HislordshiptheCountaffablyenteredintoconversationwithMr.Dawson,andgavehisopinionswithajudiciousfreedom.
Mr.Dawson,notover-courteously,inquiredifhislordship’sadvicewastheadviceofadoctor,andbeinginformedthatitwastheadviceofonewhohadstudiedmedicineunprofessionally,repliedthathewasnotaccustomedtoconsultwithamateurphysicians.
TheCount,withtrulyChristianmeeknessoftemper,smiledandlefttheroom.
Beforehewentouthetoldmethathemightbefound,incasehewaswantedinthecourseoftheday,attheboat-houseonthebanksofthelake.
Whyheshouldhavegonethere,Icannotsay.
Buthedidgo,remainingawaythewholedaytillseveno’clock,whichwasdinner-time.
Perhapshewishedtosettheexampleofkeepingthehouseasquietaspossible.
Itwasentirelyinhischaractertodoso.Hewasamostconsideratenobleman.
MissHalcombepassedaverybadnight,thefevercomingandgoing,andgettingworsetowardsthemorninginsteadofbetter.
Nonursefittowaitonherbeingathandintheneighbourhood,herladyshiptheCountessandmyselfundertooktheduty,relievingeachother.
LadyGlyde,mostunwisely,insistedonsittingupwithus.
ShewasmuchtoonervousandtoodelicateinhealthtobeartheanxietyofMissHalcombe’sillnesscalmly.
Sheonlydidherselfharm,withoutbeingoftheleastrealassistance.
Amoregentleandaffectionateladyneverlived—butshecried,andshewasfrightened,twoweaknesseswhichmadeherentirelyunfittobepresentinasick-room.
SirPercivalandtheCountcameinthemorningtomaketheirinquiries.
SirPercival(fromdistress,Ipresume,athislady’safflictionandatMissHalcombe’sillness)appearedmuchconfusedandunsettledinhismind.
Hislordshiptestified,onthecontrary,abecomingcomposureandinterest.
Hehadhisstrawhatinonehand,andhisbookintheother,andhementionedtoSirPercivalinmyhearingthathewouldgooutagainandstudyatthelake.“Letuskeepthehousequiet,”hesaid.
“Letusnotsmokeindoors,myfriend,nowMissHalcombeisill.Yougoyourway,andIwillgomine.WhenIstudyIliketobealone.Good-morning,Mrs.Michelson.”
SirPercivalwasnotcivilenough—perhapsIoughtinjusticetosay,notcomposedenough—totakeleaveofmewiththesamepoliteattention.
Theonlypersoninthehouse,indeed,whotreatedme,atthattimeoratanyother,onthefootingofaladyindistressedcircumstances,wastheCount.
Hehadthemannersofatruenobleman—hewasconsideratetowardseveryone.
Eventheyoungperson(Fannybyname)whoattendedonLadyGlydewasnotbeneathhisnotice.
WhenshewassentawaybySirPercival,hislordship(showingmehissweetlittlebirdsatthetime)wasmostkindlyanxioustoknowwhathadbecomeofher,whereshewastogothedaysheleftBlackwaterPark,andsoon.
Itisinsuchlittledelicateattentionsthattheadvantagesofaristocraticbirthalwaysshowthemselves.
Imakenoapologyforintroducingtheseparticulars—theyarebroughtforwardinjusticetohislordship,whosecharacter,Ihavereasontoknow,isviewedratherharshlyincertainquarters.
Anoblemanwhocanrespectaladyindistressedcircumstances,andcantakeafatherlyinterestinthefortunesofanhumbleservantgirl,showsprinciplesandfeelingsoftoohighanordertobelightlycalledinquestion.
Iadvancenoopinions—Iofferfactsonly.
MyendeavourthroughlifeistojudgenotthatIbenotjudged.
Oneofmybelovedhusband’sfinestsermonswasonthattext.
Ireaditconstantly—inmyowncopyoftheeditionprintedbysubscription,inthefirstdaysofmywidowhood—andateveryfreshperusalIderiveanincreaseofspiritualbenefitandedification.
TherewasnoimprovementinMissHalcombe,andthesecondnightwasevenworsethanthefirst.
Mr.Dawsonwasconstantinhisattendance.
ThepracticaldutiesofnursingwerestilldividedbetweentheCountessandmyself,LadyGlydepersistinginsittingupwithus,thoughwebothentreatedhertotakesomerest.
“MyplaceisbyMarian’sbedside,”washeronlyanswer.
“WhetherIamill,orwell,nothingwillinducemetolosesightofher.”
TowardsmiddayIwentdownstairstoattendtosomeofmyregularduties.
Anhourafterwards,onmywaybacktothesick-room,IsawtheCount(whohadgoneoutagainearly,forthethirdtime)enteringthehall,toallappearanceinthehighestgoodspirits.
SirPercival,atthesamemoment,puthisheadoutofthelibrarydoor,andaddressedhisnoblefriend,withextremeeagerness,inthesewords—
“Haveyoufoundher?”
Hislordship’slargefacebecamedimpledalloverwithplacidsmiles,buthemadenoreplyinwords.
AtthesametimeSirPercivalturnedhishead,observedthatIwasapproachingthestairs,andlookedatmeinthemostrudelyangrymannerpossible.
“Comeinhereandtellmeaboutit,”hesaidtotheCount.“Whenevertherearewomeninahousethey’realwayssuretobegoingupordownstairs.”
“MydearPercival,”observedhislordshipkindly,“Mrs.Michelsonhasduties.PrayrecogniseheradmirableperformanceofthemassincerelyasIdo!Howisthesufferer,Mrs.Michelson?”
“Nobetter,mylord,Iregrettosay.”
“Sad—mostsad!”remarkedtheCount.“Youlookfatigued,Mrs.Michelson.
Itiscertainlytimeyouandmywifehadsomehelpinnursing.
IthinkImaybethemeansofofferingyouthathelp.
CircumstanceshavehappenedwhichwillobligeMadameFoscototraveltoLondoneitherto-morroworthedayafter.
Shewillgoawayinthemorningandreturnatnight,andshewillbringbackwithher,torelieveyou,anurseofexcellentconductandcapacity,whoisnowdisengaged.
Thewomanisknowntomywifeasapersontobetrusted.
Beforeshecomesheresaynothingabouther,ifyouplease,tothedoctor,becausehewilllookwithanevileyeonanynurseofmyproviding.
Whensheappearsinthishouseshewillspeakforherself,andMr.Dawsonwillbeobligedtoacknowledgethatthereisnoexcusefornotemployingher.LadyGlydewillsaythesame.
PraypresentmybestrespectsandsympathiestoLadyGlyde.”
Iexpressedmygratefulacknowledgmentsforhislordship’skindconsideration.
SirPercivalcutthemshortbycallingtohisnoblefriend(using,Iregrettosay,aprofaneexpression)tocomeintothelibrary,andnottokeephimwaitingthereanylonger.
Iproceededupstairs.Wearepoorerringcreatures,andhoweverwellestablishedawoman’sprinciplesmaybeshecannotalwayskeeponherguardagainstthetemptationtoexerciseanidlecuriosity.
Iamashamedtosaythatanidlecuriosity,onthisoccasion,gotthebetterofmyprinciples,andmademeundulyinquisitiveaboutthequestionwhichSirPercivalhadaddressedtohisnoblefriendatthelibrarydoor.
WhowastheCountexpectedtofindinthecourseofhisstudiousmorningramblesatBlackwaterPark?
Awoman,itwastobepresumed,fromthetermsofSirPercival’sinquiry.
IdidnotsuspecttheCountofanyimpropriety—Iknewhismoralcharactertoowell.
TheonlyquestionIaskedmyselfwas—Hadhefoundher?
Toresume.ThenightpassedasusualwithoutproducinganychangeforthebetterinMissHalcombe.
Thenextdaysheseemedtoimprovealittle.
ThedayafterthatherladyshiptheCountess,withoutmentioningtheobjectofherjourneytoanyoneinmyhearing,proceededbythemorningtraintoLondon—hernoblehusband,withhiscustomaryattention,accompanyinghertothestation.
IwasnowleftinsolechargeofMissHalcombe,witheveryapparentchance,inconsequenceofhersister’sresolutionnottoleavethebedside,ofhavingLadyGlydeherselftonursenext.
TheonlycircumstanceofanyimportancethathappenedinthecourseofthedaywastheoccurrenceofanotherunpleasantmeetingbetweenthedoctorandtheCount.
Hislordship,onreturningfromthestation,steppedupintoMissHalcombe’ssitting-roomtomakehisinquiries.
Iwentoutfromthebedroomtospeaktohim,Mr.DawsonandLadyGlydebeingbothwiththepatientatthetime.
TheCountaskedmemanyquestionsaboutthetreatmentandthesymptoms.
Iinformedhimthatthetreatmentwasofthekinddescribedas“saline,”andthatthesymptoms,betweentheattacksoffever,werecertainlythoseofincreasingweaknessandexhaustion.
JustasIwasmentioningtheselastparticulars,Mr.Dawsoncameoutfromthebedroom.
“Good-morning,sir,”saidhislordship,steppingforwardinthemosturbanemanner,andstoppingthedoctor,withahigh-bredresolutionimpossibletoresist,“Igreatlyfearyoufindnoimprovementinthesymptomsto-day?”
“Ifinddecidedimprovement,”answeredMr.Dawson.
“Youstillpersistinyourloweringtreatmentofthiscaseoffever?”continuedhislordship.
“Ipersistinthetreatmentwhichisjustifiedbymyownprofessionalexperience,”saidMr.Dawson.
“Permitmetoputonequestiontoyouonthevastsubjectofprofessionalexperience,”observedtheCount.
“Ipresumetooffernomoreadvice—Ionlypresumetomakeaninquiry.
Youliveatsomedistance,sir,fromthegiganticcentresofscientificactivity—LondonandParis.
Haveyoueverheardofthewastingeffectsoffeverbeingreasonablyandintelligiblyrepairedbyfortifyingtheexhaustedpatientwithbrandy,wine,ammonia,andquinine?
Hasthatnewheresyofthehighestmedicalauthoritieseverreachedyourears—YesorNo?”
“WhenaprofessionalmanputsthatquestiontomeIshallbegladtoanswerhim,”saidthedoctor,openingthedoortogoout.“Youarenotaprofessionalman,andIbegtodeclineansweringyou.”
Buffetedinthisinexcusablyuncivilwayononecheek,theCount,likeapracticalChristian,immediatelyturnedtheother,andsaid,inthesweetestmanner,“Good-morning,Mr.Dawson.”
Ifmylatebelovedhusbandhadbeensofortunateastoknowhislordship,howhighlyheandtheCountwouldhaveesteemedeachother!
HerladyshiptheCountessreturnedbythelasttrainthatnight,andbroughtwithherthenursefromLondon.
Iwasinstructedthatthisperson’snamewasMrs.Rubelle.
Herpersonalappearance,andherimperfectEnglishwhenshespoke,informedmethatshewasaforeigner.
Ihavealwayscultivatedafeelingofhumaneindulgenceforforeigners.
Theydonotpossessourblessingsandadvantages,andtheyare,forthemostpart,broughtupintheblinderrorsofPopery.
Ithasalsoalwaysbeenmypreceptandpractice,asitwasmydearhusband’spreceptandpracticebeforeme(seeSermonXXIX.
intheCollectionbythelateRev.SamuelMichelson,M.A.),todoasIwouldbedoneby.
OnboththeseaccountsIwillnotsaythatMrs.Rubellestruckmeasbeingasmall,wiry,slyperson,offiftyorthereabouts,withadarkbrownorCreolecomplexionandwatchfullightgreyeyes.
NorwillImention,forthereasonsjustalleged,thatIthoughtherdress,thoughitwasoftheplainestblacksilk,inappropriatelycostlyintextureandunnecessarilyrefinedintrimmingandfinish,forapersoninherpositioninlife.
Ishouldnotlikethesethingstobesaidofme,andthereforeitismydutynottosaythemofMrs.Rubelle.
Iwillmerelymentionthathermannerswere,notperhapsunpleasantlyreserved,butonlyremarkablyquietandretiring—thatshelookedaboutheragreatdeal,andsaidverylittle,whichmighthavearisenquiteasmuchfromherownmodestyasfromdistrustofherpositionatBlackwaterPark;andthatshedeclinedtopartakeofsupper(whichwascuriousperhaps,butsurelynotsuspicious?)
,althoughImyselfpolitelyinvitedhertothatmealinmyownroom.
AttheCount’sparticularsuggestion(solikehislordship’sforgivingkindness!)
,itwasarrangedthatMrs.Rubelleshouldnotenteronherdutiesuntilshehadbeenseenandapprovedbythedoctorthenextmorning.Isatupthatnight.
LadyGlydeappearedtobeveryunwillingthatthenewnurseshouldbeemployedtoattendonMissHalcombe.
Suchwantofliberalitytowardsaforeigneronthepartofaladyofhereducationandrefinementsurprisedme.
Iventuredtosay,“Mylady,wemustallremembernottobehastyinourjudgmentsonourinferiors—especiallywhentheycomefromforeignparts.”
LadyGlydedidnotappeartoattendtome.
Sheonlysighed,andkissedMissHalcombe’shandasitlayonthecounterpane.
Scarcelyajudiciousproceedinginasick-room,withapatientwhomitwashighlydesirablenottoexcite.
ButpoorLadyGlydeknewnothingofnursing—nothingwhatever,Iamsorrytosay.
ThenextmorningMrs.Rubellewassenttothesitting-room,tobeapprovedbythedoctoronhiswaythroughtothebedroom.
IleftLadyGlydewithMissHalcombe,whowasslumberingatthetime,andjoinedMrs.Rubelle,withtheobjectofkindlypreventingherfromfeelingstrangeandnervousinconsequenceoftheuncertaintyofhersituation.
Shedidnotappeartoseeitinthatlight.
Sheseemedtobequitesatisfied,beforehand,thatMr.Dawsonwouldapproveofher,andshesatcalmlylookingoutofwindow,witheveryappearanceofenjoyingthecountryair.
Somepeoplemighthavethoughtsuchconductsuggestiveofbrazenassurance.
IbegtosaythatImoreliberallysetitdowntoextraordinarystrengthofmind.
Insteadofthedoctorcominguptous,Iwassentfortoseethedoctor.
Ithoughtthischangeofaffairsratherodd,butMrs.Rubelledidnotappeartobeaffectedbyitinanyway.
Ileftherstillcalmlylookingoutofthewindow,andstillsilentlyenjoyingthecountryair.
Mr.Dawsonwaswaitingformebyhimselfinthebreakfast-room.
“Aboutthisnewnurse,Mrs.Michelson,”saidthedoctor.
“Yes,sir?”
“IfindthatshehasbeenbroughtherefromLondonbythewifeofthatfatoldforeigner,whoisalwaystryingtointerferewithme.Mrs.Michelson,thefatoldforeignerisaquack.”
Thiswasveryrude.Iwasnaturallyshockedatit.
“Areyouaware,sir,”Isaid,“thatyouaretalkingofanobleman?”
“Pooh!Heisn’tthefirstquackwithahandletohisname.They’reallCounts—hang’em!”
“HewouldnotbeafriendofSirPercivalGlyde’s,sir,ifhewasnotamemberofthehighestaristocracy—exceptingtheEnglisharistocracy,ofcourse.”
“Verywell,Mrs.Michelson,callhimwhatyoulike,andletusgetbacktothenurse.Ihavebeenobjectingtoheralready.”
“Withouthavingseenher,sir?”
“Yes,withouthavingseenher.Shemaybethebestnurseinexistence,butsheisnotanurseofmyproviding.
IhaveputthatobjectiontoSirPercival,asthemasterofthehouse.Hedoesn’tsupportme.
HesaysanurseofmyprovidingwouldhavebeenastrangerfromLondonalso,andhethinksthewomanoughttohaveatrial,afterhiswife’saunthastakenthetroubletofetchherfromLondon.
Thereissomejusticeinthat,andIcan’tdecentlysayNo.
ButIhavemadeitaconditionthatsheistogoatonce,ifIfindreasontocomplainofher.
ThisproposalbeingonewhichIhavesomerighttomake,asmedicalattendant,SirPercivalhasconsentedtoit.
Now,Mrs.Michelson,IknowIcandependonyou,andIwantyoutokeepasharpeyeonthenurseforthefirstdayortwo,andtoseethatshegivesMissHalcombenomedicinesbutmine.
Thisforeignnoblemanofyoursisdyingtotryhisquackremedies(mesmerismincluded)onmypatient,andanursewhoisbroughtherebyhiswifemaybealittletoowillingtohelphim.Youunderstand?Verywell,then,wemaygoupstairs.Isthenursethere?
I’llsayawordtoherbeforeshegoesintothesick-room.”
WefoundMrs.Rubellestillenjoyingherselfatthewindow.
WhenIintroducedhertoMr.Dawson,neitherthedoctor’sdoubtfullooksnorthedoctor’ssearchingquestionsappearedtoconfuseherintheleast.
SheansweredhimquietlyinherbrokenEnglish,andthoughhetriedhardtopuzzleher,sheneverbetrayedtheleastignorance,sofar,aboutanypartofherduties.
Thiswasdoubtlesstheresultofstrengthofmind,asIsaidbefore,andnotofbrazenassurance,byanymeans.
Weallwentintothebedroom.
Mrs.Rubellelookedveryattentivelyatthepatient,curtseyedtoLadyGlyde,setoneortwolittlethingsrightintheroom,andsatdownquietlyinacornertowaituntilshewaswanted.
Herladyshipseemedstartledandannoyedbytheappearanceofthestrangenurse.
Noonesaidanything,forfearofrousingMissHalcombe,whowasstillslumbering,exceptthedoctor,whowhisperedaquestionaboutthenight.
Isoftlyanswered,“Muchasusual,”andthenMr.Dawsonwentout.
LadyGlydefollowedhim,IsupposetospeakaboutMrs.Rubelle.
Formyownpart,Ihadmadeupmymindalreadythatthisquietforeignpersonwouldkeephersituation.
Shehadallherwitsabouther,andshecertainlyunderstoodherbusiness.
Sofar,Icouldhardlyhavedonemuchbetterbythebedsidemyself.
RememberingMr.Dawson’scautiontome,IsubjectedMrs.Rubelletoaseverescrutinyatcertainintervalsforthenextthreeorfourdays.
Ioverandoveragainenteredtheroomsoftlyandsuddenly,butIneverfoundheroutinanysuspiciousaction.
LadyGlyde,whowatchedherasattentivelyasIdid,discoverednothingeither.
Ineverdetectedasignofthemedicinebottlesbeingtamperedwith,IneversawMrs.RubellesayawordtotheCount,ortheCounttoher.
ShemanagedMissHalcombewithunquestionablecareanddiscretion.
Thepoorladywaveredbackwardsandforwardsbetweenasortofsleepyexhaustion,whichwashalffaintnessandhalfslumbering,andattacksoffeverwhichbroughtwiththemmoreorlessofwanderinginhermind.
Mrs.Rubelleneverdisturbedherinthefirstcase,andneverstartledherinthesecond,byappearingtoosuddenlyatthebedsideinthecharacterofastranger.
Honourtowhomhonourisdue(whetherforeignorEnglishandIgiveherprivilegeimpartiallytoMrs.Rubelle.
Shewasremarkablyuncommunicativeaboutherself,andshewastooquietlyindependentofalladvicefromexperiencedpersonswhounderstoodthedutiesofasick-room—butwiththesedrawbacks,shewasagoodnurse,andshenevergaveeitherLadyGlydeorMr.Dawsontheshadowofareasonforcomplainingofher.
ThenextcircumstanceofimportancethatoccurredinthehousewasthetemporaryabsenceoftheCount,occasionedbybusinesswhichtookhimtoLondon.
Hewentaway(Ithink)onthemorningofthefourthdayafterthearrivalofMrs.Rubelle,andatpartinghespoketoLadyGlydeveryseriously,inmypresence,onthesubjectofMissHalcombe.
“TrustMr.Dawson,”hesaid,“forafewdaysmore,ifyouplease.
Butifthereisnotsomechangeforthebetterinthattime,sendforadvicefromLondon,whichthismuleofadoctormustacceptinspiteofhimself.
OffendMr.Dawson,andsaveMissHalcombe.
Isaythisseriously,onmywordofhonourandfromthebottomofmyheart.”
Hislordshipspokewithextremefeelingandkindness.
ButpoorLadyGlyde’snervesweresocompletelybrokendownthatsheseemedquitefrightenedathim.
Shetrembledfromheadtofoot,andallowedhimtotakehisleavewithoututteringawordonherside.
Sheturnedtomewhenhehadgone,andsaid,“Oh,Mrs.Michelson,Iamheart-brokenaboutmysister,andIhavenofriendtoadviseme!DoyouthinkMr.Dawsoniswrong?
Hetoldmehimselfthismorningthattherewasnofear,andnoneedtosendforanotherdoctor.”
“WithallrespecttoMr.Dawson,”Ianswered,“inyourladyship’splaceIshouldremembertheCount’sadvice.”
LadyGlydeturnedawayfrommesuddenly,withanappearanceofdespair,forwhichIwasquiteunabletoaccount.
“HISadvice!”shesaidtoherself.“Godhelpus—HISadvice!”
TheCountwasawayfromBlackwaterPark,asnearlyasIremember,aweek.
SirPercivalseemedtofeelthelossofhislordshipinvariousways,andappearedalso,Ithought,muchdepressedandalteredbythesicknessandsorrowinthehouse.
OccasionallyhewassoveryrestlessthatIcouldnothelpnoticingit,comingandgoing,andwanderinghereandthereandeverywhereinthegrounds.
HisinquiriesaboutMissHalcombe,andabouthislady(whosefailinghealthseemedtocausehimsincereanxiety),weremostattentive.Ithinkhisheartwasmuchsoftened.
Ifsomekindclericalfriend—somesuchfriendashemighthavefoundinmylateexcellenthusband—hadbeennearhimatthistime,cheeringmoralprogressmighthavebeenmadewithSirPercival.
Iseldomfindmyselfmistakenonapointofthissort,havinghadexperiencetoguidemeinmyhappymarrieddays.
HerladyshiptheCountess,whowasnowtheonlycompanyforSirPercivaldownstairs,ratherneglectedhim,asIconsidered—or,perhaps,itmighthavebeenthatheneglectedher.
Astrangermightalmosthavesupposedthattheywerebent,nowtheywerelefttogetheralone,onactuallyavoidingoneanother.This,ofcourse,couldnotbe.
Butitdidsohappen,nevertheless,thattheCountessmadeherdinneratluncheon-time,andthatshealwayscameupstairstowardsevening,althoughMrs.Rubellehadtakenthenursingdutiesentirelyoffherhands.
SirPercivaldinedbyhimself,andWilliam(themanoutoflivery)maketheremark,inmyhearing,thathismasterhadputhimselfonhalfrationsoffoodandonadoubleallowanceofdrink.
Iattachnoimportancetosuchaninsolentobservationasthisonthepartofaservant.
Ireprobateditatthetime,andIwishtobeunderstoodasreprobatingitoncemoreonthisoccasion.
InthecourseofthenextfewdaysMissHalcombedidcertainlyseemtoallofustobemendingalittle.OurfaithinMr.Dawsonrevived.
Heappearedtobeveryconfidentaboutthecase,andheassuredLadyGlyde,whenshespoketohimonthesubject,thathewouldhimselfproposetosendforaphysicianthemomenthefeltsomuchastheshadowofadoubtcrossinghisownmind.
TheonlypersonamonguswhodidnotappeartoberelievedbythesewordswastheCountess.
Shesaidtomeprivately,thatshecouldnotfeeleasyaboutMissHalcombeonMr.Dawson’sauthority,andthatsheshouldwaitanxiouslyforherhusband’sopiniononhisreturn.
Thatreturn,hislettersinformedher,wouldtakeplaceinthreedays’time.
TheCountandCountesscorrespondedregularlyeverymorningduringhislordship’sabsence.
Theywereinthatrespect,asinallothers,apatterntomarriedpeople.
OntheeveningofthethirddayInoticedachangeinMissHalcombe,whichcausedmeseriousapprehension.Mrs.Rubellenoticedittoo.
WesaidnothingonthesubjecttoLadyGlyde,whowasthenlyingasleep,completelyoverpoweredbyexhaustion,onthesofainthesitting-room.
Mr.Dawsondidnotpayhiseveningvisittilllaterthanusual.
AssoonasheseteyesonhispatientIsawhisfacealter.
Hetriedtohideit,buthelookedbothconfusedandalarmed.
Amessengerwassenttohisresidenceforhismedicine-chest,disinfectingpreparationswereusedintheroom,andabedwasmadeupforhiminthehousebyhisowndirections.“Hasthefeverturnedtoinfection?”Iwhisperedtohim.
“Iamafraidithas,”heanswered;“weshallknowbetterto-morrowmorning.
ByMr.Dawson’sowndirectionsLadyGlydewaskeptinignoranceofthischangefortheworse.
Hehimselfabsolutelyforbadeher,onaccountofherhealth,tojoinusinthebed-roomthatnight.
Shetriedtoresist—therewasasadscene—buthehadhismedicalauthoritytosupporthim,andhecarriedhispoint.
Thenextmorningoneofthemen-servantswassenttoLondonateleveno’clock,withalettertoaphysicianintown,andwithorderstobringthenewdoctorbackwithhimbytheearliestpossibletrain.
HalfanhourafterthemessengerhadgonetheCountreturnedtoBlackwaterPark.
TheCountess,onherownresponsibility,immediatelybroughthimintoseethepatient.
TherewasnoimproprietythatIcoulddiscoverinhertakingthiscourse.
Hislordshipwasamarriedman,hewasoldenoughtobeMissHalcombe’sfather,andhesawherinthepresenceofafemalerelative,LadyGlyde’saunt.
Mr.Dawsonneverthelessprotestedagainsthispresenceintheroom,butIcouldplainlyremarkthedoctorwastoomuchalarmedtomakeanyseriousresistanceonthisoccasion.
Thepoorsufferingladywaspastknowinganyoneabouther.
Sheseemedtotakeherfriendsforenemies.
WhentheCountapproachedherbedsidehereyes,whichhadbeenwanderingincessantlyroundandroundtheroombefore,settledonhisfacewithadreadfulstareofterror,whichIshallremembertomydyingday.
TheCountsatdownbyher,feltherpulseandhertemples,lookedatherveryattentively,andthenturnedrounduponthedoctorwithsuchanexpressionofindignationandcontemptinhisface,thatthewordsfailedonMr.Dawson’slips,andhestoodforamoment,palewithangerandalarm—paleandperfectlyspeechless.
Hislordshiplookednextatme.
“Whendidthechangehappen?”heasked.
Itoldhimthetime.
“HasLadyGlydebeenintheroomsince?”
Irepliedthatshehadnot.Thedoctorhadabsolutelyforbiddenhertocomeintotheroomontheeveningbefore,andhadrepeatedtheorderagaininthemorning.
“HaveyouandMrs.Rubellebeenmadeawareofthefullextentofthemischief?”washisnextquestion.
Wewereaware,Ianswered,thatthemaladywasconsideredinfectious.HestoppedmebeforeIcouldaddanythingmore.
“Itistyphusfever,”hesaid.
Intheminutethatpassed,whilethesequestionsandanswersweregoingon,Mr.Dawsonrecoveredhimself,andaddressedtheCountwithhiscustomaryfirmness.
“ItisNOTtyphusfever,”heremarkedsharply.“Iprotestagainstthisintrusion,sir.Noonehasarighttoputquestionsherebutme.Ihavedonemydutytothebestofmyability—”
TheCountinterruptedhim—notbywords,butonlybypointingtothebed.
Mr.Dawsonseemedtofeelthatsilentcontradictiontohisassertionofhisownability,andtogrowonlythemoreangryunderit.
“IsayIhavedonemyduty,”hereiterated.“AphysicianhasbeensentforfromLondon.Iwillconsultonthenatureofthefeverwithhim,andwithnooneelse.Iinsistonyourleavingtheroom.”
“Ienteredthisroom,sir,inthesacredinterestsofhumanity,”saidtheCount.
“Andinthesameinterests,ifthecomingofthephysicianisdelayed,Iwillenteritagain.
Iwarnyouoncemorethatthefeverhasturnedtotyphus,andthatyourtreatmentisresponsibleforthislamentablechange.
Ifthatunhappyladydies,Iwillgivemytestimonyinacourtofjusticethatyourignoranceandobstinacyhavebeenthecauseofherdeath.”
BeforeMr.Dawsoncouldanswer,beforetheCountcouldleaveus,thedoorwasopenedfromthesitting-room,andwesawLadyGlydeonthethreshold.
“IMUSTandWILLcomein,”shesaid,withextraordinaryfirmness.
Insteadofstoppingher,theCountmovedintothesitting-room,andmadewayforhertogoin.
Onallotheroccasionshewasthelastmanintheworldtoforgetanything,butinthesurpriseofthemomentheapparentlyforgotthedangerofinfectionfromtyphus,andtheurgentnecessityofforcingLadyGlydetotakepropercareofherself.
TomyastonishmentMr.Dawsonshowedmorepresenceofmind.
Hestoppedherladyshipatthefirststepshetooktowardsthebedside.
“Iamsincerelysorry,Iamsincerelygrieved,”hesaid.“Thefevermay,Ifear,beinfectious.
UntilIamcertainthatitisnot,Ientreatyoutokeepoutoftheroom.”
Shestruggledforamoment,thensuddenlydroppedherarmsandsankforward.Shehadfainted.
TheCountessandItookherfromthedoctorandcarriedherintoherownroom.
TheCountprecededus,andwaitedinthepassagetillIcameoutandtoldhimthatwehadrecoveredherfromtheswoon.
Iwentbacktothedoctortotellhim,byLadyGlyde’sdesire,thatsheinsistedonspeakingtohimimmediately.
Hewithdrewatoncetoquietherladyship’sagitation,andtoassureherofthephysician’sarrivalinthecourseofafewhours.Thosehourspassedveryslowly.
SirPercivalandtheCountweretogetherdownstairs,andsentupfromtimetotimetomaketheirinquiries.
Atlast,betweenfiveandsixo’clock,toourgreatrelief,thephysiciancame.
HewasayoungermanthanMr.Dawson,veryseriousandverydecided.
WhathethoughtoftheprevioustreatmentIcannotsay,butitstruckmeascuriousthatheputmanymorequestionstomyselfandtoMrs.Rubellethanheputtothedoctor,andthathedidnotappeartolistenwithmuchinteresttowhatMr.Dawsonsaid,whilehewasexaminingMr.Dawson’spatient.
Ibegantosuspect,fromwhatIobservedinthisway,thattheCounthadbeenrightabouttheillnessallthewaythrough,andIwasnaturallyconfirmedinthatideawhenMr.Dawson,aftersomelittledelay,askedtheoneimportantquestionwhichtheLondondoctorhadbeensentfortosetatrest.
“Whatisyouropinionofthefever?”heinquired.
“Typhus,”repliedthephysician“Typhusfeverbeyondalldoubt.”
Thatquietforeignperson,Mrs.Rubelle,crossedherthinbrownhandsinfrontofher,andlookedatmewithaverysignificantsmile.
TheCounthimselfcouldhardlyhaveappearedmoregratifiedifhehadbeenpresentintheroomandhadheardtheconfirmationofhisownopinion.
Aftergivingussomeusefuldirectionsaboutthemanagementofthepatient,andmentioningthathewouldcomeagaininfivedays’time,thephysicianwithdrewtoconsultinprivatewithMr.Dawson.
HewouldoffernoopiniononMissHalcombe’schancesofrecovery—hesaiditwasimpossibleatthatstageoftheillnesstopronounceonewayortheother.
Thefivedayspassedanxiously.
CountessFoscoandmyselftookitbyturnstorelieveMrs.Rubelle,MissHalcombe’sconditiongrowingworseandworse,andrequiringourutmostcareandattention.Itwasaterriblytryingtime.
LadyGlyde(supported,asMr.Dawsonsaid,bytheconstantstrainofhersuspenseonhersister’saccount)ralliedinthemostextraordinarymanner,andshowedafirmnessanddeterminationforwhichIshouldmyselfneverhavegivenhercredit.
Sheinsistedoncomingintothesick-roomtwoorthreetimeseveryday,tolookatMissHalcombewithherowneyes,promisingnottogotooclosetothebed,ifthedoctorwouldconsenttoherwishessofar.
Mr.Dawsonveryunwillinglymadetheconcessionrequiredofhim—Ithinkhesawthatitwashopelesstodisputewithher.
Shecameineveryday,andsheself-denyinglykeptherpromise.
Ifeltitpersonallysodistressing(asremindingmeofmyownafflictionduringmyhusband’slastillness)toseehowshesufferedunderthesecircumstances,thatImustbegnottodwellonthispartofthesubjectanylonger.
ItismoreagreeabletometomentionthatnofreshdisputestookplacebetweenMr.DawsonandtheCount.
Hislordshipmadeallhisinquiriesbydeputy,andremainedcontinuallyincompanywithSirPercivaldownstairs.
Onthefifthdaythephysiciancameagainandgaveusalittlehope.
Hesaidthetenthdayfromthefirstappearanceofthetyphuswouldprobablydecidetheresultoftheillness,andhearrangedforhisthirdvisittotakeplaceonthatdate.
Theintervalpassedasbefore—exceptthattheCountwenttoLondonagainonemorningandreturnedatnight.
OnthetenthdayitpleasedamercifulProvidencetorelieveourhouseholdfromallfurtheranxietyandalarm.
ThephysicianpositivelyassuredusthatMissHalcombewasoutofdanger.
“Shewantsnodoctornow—allsherequiresiscarefulwatchingandnursingforsometimetocome,andthatIseeshehas.”Thosewerehisownwords.
ThateveningIreadmyhusband’stouchingsermononRecoveryfromSickness,withmorehappinessandadvantage(inaspiritualpointofview)thanIeverremembertohavederivedfromitbefore.
TheeffectofthegoodnewsonpoorLadyGlydewas,Igrievetosay,quiteoverpowering.
Shewastooweaktobeartheviolentreaction,andinanotherdayortwoshesankintoastateofdebilityanddepressionwhichobligedhertokeepherroom.
Restandquiet,andchangeofairafterwards,werethebestremedieswhichMr.Dawsoncouldsuggestforherbenefit.
Itwasfortunatethatmatterswerenoworse,for,ontheverydayaftershetooktoherroom,theCountandthedoctorhadanotherdisagreement—andthistimethedisputebetweenthemwasofsoseriousanaturethatMr.Dawsonleftthehouse.
Iwasnotpresentatthetime,butIunderstoodthatthesubjectofdisputewastheamountofnourishmentwhichitwasnecessarytogivetoassistMissHalcombe’sconvalescenceaftertheexhaustionofthefever.
Mr.Dawson,nowthathispatientwassafe,waslessinclinedthanevertosubmittounprofessionalinterference,andtheCount(Icannotimaginewhy)lostalltheself-controlwhichhehadsojudiciouslypreservedonformeroccasions,andtauntedthedoctor,overandoveragain,withhismistakeaboutthefeverwhenitchangedtotyphus.
TheunfortunateaffairendedinMr.Dawson’sappealingtoSirPercival,andthreatening(nowthathecouldleavewithoutabsolutedangertoMissHalcombe)towithdrawfromhisattendanceatBlackwaterParkiftheCount’sinterferencewasnotperemptorilysuppressedfromthatmoment.
SirPercival’sreply(thoughnotdesignedlyuncivil)hadonlyresultedinmakingmattersworse,andMr.DawsonhadthereuponwithdrawnfromthehouseinastateofextremeindignationatCountFosco’susageofhim,andhadsentinhisbillthenextmorning.
Wewerenow,therefore,leftwithouttheattendanceofamedicalman.
Althoughtherewasnoactualnecessityforanotherdoctor—nursingandwatchingbeing,asthephysicianhadobserved,allthatMissHalcomberequired—Ishouldstill,ifmyauthorityhadbeenconsulted,haveobtainedprofessionalassistancefromsomeotherquarter,forform’ssake.
ThematterdidnotseemtostrikeSirPercivalinthatlight.
HesaiditwouldbetimeenoughtosendforanotherdoctorifMissHalcombeshowedanysignsofarelapse.
InthemeanwhilewehadtheCounttoconsultinanyminordifficulty,andweneednotunnecessarilydisturbourpatientinherpresentweakandnervousconditionbythepresenceofastrangeratherbedside.
Therewasmuchthatwasreasonable,nodoubt,intheseconsiderations,buttheyleftmealittleanxiousnevertheless.
NorwasIquitesatisfiedinmyownmindoftheproprietyofourconcealingthedoctor’sabsenceaswedidfromLadyGlyde.
Itwasamercifuldeception,Iadmit—forshewasinnostatetobearanyfreshanxieties.
Butstillitwasadeception,and,assuch,toapersonofmyprinciples,atbestadoubtfulproceeding.
Asecondperplexingcircumstancewhichhappenedonthesameday,andwhichtookmecompletelybysurprise,addedgreatlytothesenseofuneasinessthatwasnowweighingonmymind.
IwassentfortoseeSirPercivalinthelibrary.
TheCount,whowaswithhimwhenIwentin,immediatelyroseandleftusalonetogether.
SirPercivalcivillyaskedmetotakeaseat,andthen,tomygreatastonishment,addressedmeintheseterms—
“Iwanttospeaktoyou,Mrs.Michelson,aboutamatterwhichIdecidedonsometimeago,andwhichIshouldhavementionedbefore,butforthesicknessandtroubleinthehouse.
Inplainwords,Ihavereasonsforwishingtobreakupmyestablishmentimmediatelyatthisplace—leavingyouincharge,ofcourse,asusual.
AssoonasLadyGlydeandMissHalcombecantraveltheymustbothhavechangeofair.
Myfriends,CountFoscoandtheCountess,willleaveusbeforethattimetoliveintheneighbourhoodofLondon,andIhavereasonsfornotopeningthehousetoanymorecompany,withaviewtoeconomisingascarefullyasIcan.
Idon’tblameyou,butmyexpenseshereareagreatdealtooheavy.
Inshort,Ishallsellthehorses,andgetridofalltheservantsatonce.
Ineverdothingsbyhalves,asyouknow,andImeantohavethehouseclearofapackofuselesspeoplebythistimeto-morrow.”
Ilistenedtohim,perfectlyaghastwithastonishment.
“Doyoumean,SirPercival,thatIamtodismisstheindoorservantsundermychargewithouttheusualmonth’swarning?”Iasked.
“CertainlyIdo.Wemayallbeoutofthehousebeforeanothermonth,andIamnotgoingtoleavetheservantshereinidleness,withnomastertowaiton.”
“Whoistodothecooking,SirPercival,whileyouarestillstayinghere?”
“MargaretPorchercanroastandboil—keepher.WhatdoIwantwithacookifIdon’tmeantogiveanydinner-parties?”
“Theservantyouhavementionedisthemostunintelligentservantinthehouse,SirPercival”
“Keepher,Itellyou,andhaveawomaninfromthevillagetodothecleaningandgoawayagain.
Myweeklyexpensesmustandshallbeloweredimmediately.
Idon’tsendforyoutomakeobjections,Mrs.Michelson—Isendforyoutocarryoutmyplansofeconomy.
Dismissthewholelazypackofindoorservantsto-morrow,exceptPorcher.
Sheisasstrongasahorse—andwe’llmakeherworklikeahorse.”
“Youwillexcusemeforremindingyou,SirPercival,thatiftheservantsgoto-morrowtheymusthaveamonth’swagesinlieuofamonth’swarning.”
“Letthem!Amonth’swagessavesamonth’swasteandgluttonyintheservants’hall.”
Thislastremarkconveyedanaspersionofthemostoffensivekindonmymanagement.
Ihadtoomuchself-respecttodefendmyselfundersogrossanimputation.
ChristianconsiderationforthehelplesspositionofMissHalcombeandLadyGlyde,andfortheseriousinconveniencewhichmysuddenabsencemightinflictonthem,alonepreventedmefromresigningmysituationonthespot.Iroseimmediately.
Itwouldhaveloweredmeinmyownestimationtohavepermittedtheinterviewtocontinueamomentlonger.
“Afterthatlastremark,SirPercival,Ihavenothingmoretosay.Yourdirectionsshallbeattendedto.”
Pronouncingthosewords,Ibowedmyheadwiththemostdistantrespect,andwentoutoftheroom.
Thenextdaytheservantsleftinabody.
SirPercivalhimselfdismissedthegroomsandstablemen,sendingthem,withallthehorsesbutone,toLondon.
Ofthewholedomesticestablishment,indoorsandout,therenowremainedonlymyself,MargaretPorcher,andthegardener—thislastlivinginhisowncottage,andbeingwantedtotakecareoftheonehorsethatremainedinthestables.
Withthehouseleftinthisstrangeandlonelycondition—withthemistressofitillinherroom—withMissHalcombestillashelplessasachild—andwiththedoctor’sattendancewithdrawnfromusinenmity—itwassurelynotunnaturalthatmyspiritsshouldsink,andmycustomarycomposurebeveryhardtomaintain.Mymindwasillatease.
Iwishedthepoorladiesbothwellagain,andIwishedmyselfawayfromBlackwaterPark.
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