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Reed, Myrtle, 1874-1911

"Old Rose and Silver"





XVI
HOW ISABEL CAME
Madame Bernard and Rose were so deeply affected by Allison's misfortune
that they scarcely took note of Isabel's few bruises, greatly to that
young woman's disgust. She chose to consider herself in the light of a
martyr and had calmly received the announcement that Allison's left hand
would probably have to be amputated.
None of them had seen him, though the two older women were ready to go
at any hour of the day or night they might be needed or asked for.
Isabel affected a sprained ankle and limped badly when anyone was
looking. Once or twice she had been seen to walk almost as usual, though
she did not know it.
The upper hall, and, occasionally, the other parts of the house, smelled
of the various liniments and lotions with which she anointed herself.
She scorned the suggestion that she should stay in bed, for she was
quite comfortable upon a couch, in her most becoming negligee, with a
novel and a box of chocolates to bear her company.
At first, she had taken her meals in her own room, but, finding that it
was more pleasant to be downstairs with the others for luncheon and
dinner, managed to go up and down the long flight of stairs twice each
day.


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