"But that was only the effect of the suddenness of your alarm--of the

shock. You will not be hysterical again. I dare say we shall have

nothing to distress us. I perfectly understand Mr Robinson's

directions, and have no fears; and indeed, Mary, I cannot wonder at

your husband. Nursing does not belong to a man; it is not his

province. A sick child is always the mother's property: her own

feelings generally make it so."

"I hope I am as fond of my child as any mother, but I do not know that

I am of any more use in the sick-room than Charles, for I cannot be

always scolding and teazing the poor child when it is ill; and you saw,

this morning, that if I told him to keep quiet, he was sure to begin

kicking about. I have not nerves for the sort of thing."

"But, could you be comfortable yourself, to be spending the whole

evening away from the poor boy?"

"Yes; you see his papa can, and why should not I? Jemima is so

careful; and she could send us word every hour how he was. I really

think Charles might as well have told his father we would all come. I

am not more alarmed about little Charles now than he is. I was

dreadfully alarmed yesterday, but the case is very different to-day."

"Well, if you do not think it too late to give notice for yourself,

suppose you were to go, as well as your husband. Leave little Charles

to my care. Mr and Mrs Musgrove cannot think it wrong while I remain

with him."

"Are you serious?" cried Mary, her eyes brightening. "Dear me! that's

a very good thought, very good, indeed. To be sure, I may just as well

go as not, for I am of no use at home--am I? and it only harasses me.

You, who have not a mother's feelings, are a great deal the properest

person. You can make little Charles do anything; he always minds you

at a word. It will be a great deal better than leaving him only with

Jemima. Oh! I shall certainly go; I am sure I ought if I can, quite as

much as Charles, for they want me excessively to be acquainted with

Captain Wentworth, and I know you do not mind being left alone. An

excellent thought of yours, indeed, Anne. I will go and tell Charles,

and get ready directly. You can send for us, you know, at a moment's

notice, if anything is the matter; but I dare say there will be nothing

to alarm you. I should not go, you may be sure, if I did not feel

quite at ease about my dear child."




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