I should have done, but for the sad plight of my uncle. When I, with a
kind of wrench, forced the talk into the subject of what was going on at
his house, they, through their great love for him, forgot for a moment
their own trials in thinking of his; and those who had anything to
contribute brought it out, and those who had nothing to spare made up
for it in pity. All this consumed so much time that when I got back it
was nearly dark, and the house was all in a blaze with lights, for the
dragoons had lighted candles all over the house; and some of them were
stupid with drink, and lying in heaps; others were rendered quarrelsome
by it, and fighting and abusing one another; but as for the drummers,
they never ceased. They were at it when I set forth, they were at it
while I was away, they were at it when I came back again, and stared at
the good things I spread out before them without once staying their
drumsticks. I was so sick of it by this time, and so unable to disguise
my disgust and anger, that I persuaded myself I might as well return
home, for that I could do no good where I was, and things could get no
worse without me. So I went up to my aunt, who was then sitting like
a stone image, without seeming able to hear or see anything, and made
signs of leave-taking. She grasped my hand in both hers, and looked up
so piteously at me, her lips moving as if with the words "do not go,"
that I felt I must stay by her, come what would. For was she not my
mother's sister-in-law? and was not my uncle my mother's brother? I made
a sign I would remain, on which she kissed my hands; and then I patted
her on the shoulder, and could not help letting fall a tear. Then she
got up, and bestirred herself for the men, hoping, no doubt, they would
intermit their drumming if she could but conciliate them. But as soon
as one relay ceased drumming another took it up; and thus, shameful to
relate, they continued the whole night without intermission, crowding
round my uncle's bed, making his room intolerably hot and close, and
pushing in and out of the room and up and down the stairs.