began stroking it, and looking up in his face. I could scarce keep back
my tears.

"He stood there quite still, except that from time to time he spoke to
her in a low tone. At last I advanced into the room, so that I could
talk to him, without renewing her alarm. I asked for the doctor's
address; for I had heard that they had called in some one, at their
landlady's recommendation: but I could hardly understand Clement's broken
English, and mispronunciation of our proper names, and was obliged to
apply to the woman herself. I could not say much to Clement, for his
attention was perpetually needed by his mother, who never seemed to
perceive that I was there. But I told him not to fear, however long I
might be away, for that I would return before night; and, bidding the
woman take charge of all the heterogeneous things the housekeeper had put
up, and leaving one of my men in the house, who could understand a few
words of French, with directions that he was to hold himself at Madame de
Crequy's orders until I sent or gave him fresh commands, I drove off to
the doctor's. What I wanted was his permission to remove Madame de
Crequy to my own house, and to learn how it best could be done; for I saw
that every movement in the room, every sound except Clement's voice,
brought on a fresh access of trembling and nervous agitation.

"The doctor was, I should think, a clever man; but he had that kind of
abrupt manner which people get who have much to do with the lower orders.

"I told him the story of his patient, the interest I had in her, and the
wish I entertained of removing her to my own house.

"'It can't be done,' said he. 'Any change will kill her.'