I say the world is full of Miss
Nightingales; and we, sick and wounded in our private Scutaris, have
countless nurse-tenders. I did not see my wife ministering to the
afflicted family at Newcome Park; but I can fancy her there amongst the
women and children, her prudent counsel, her thousand gentle offices, her
apt pity and cheerfulness, the love and truth glowing in her face, and
inspiring her words, movements, demeanour.
Mrs. Pendennis's husband for his part did not attempt to console Sir
Barnes Newcome Newcome, Baronet. I never professed to have a
halfpennyworth of pity at that gentleman's command. Florac, who owed
Barnes his principality and his present comforts in life, did make some
futile efforts at condolence, but was received by the Baronet with such
fierceness, and evident ill-humour, that he did not care to repeat his
visits, and allowed him to vent his curses and peevishness on his own
immediate dependents. We used to ask Laura on her return to Rosebury from
her charity visits to Newcome about the poor suffering master of the
house.
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