Page:The mislaid uncle (IA mislaiduncle00raym).pdf/145

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the assurance that all danger was now past. At the door of the library the old lady paused and looked in. Mr. Smith still sat erect in his chair, and seemed as wide awake as she was drowsy, and she advised him:

"Go to bed, neighbor. The little one is all right again. We've had a tussle for it, but she's pulled through. Go to bed and get some rest. I'm really sorry for you that this uninvited trouble has come upon you, and will help you share it, so far as I may. But, doubtless, we'll all see why it was allowed, before we've done with it."

He returned, gallantly enough:

"For one reason, it may be, madam, to render me more just and tolerant to my neighbors. You have laid me under great"—

But she checked him, saying:

"Beg pardon, under nothing at all. It was the little child for whom I came, and if I have served you, too, why so much the better. Good morning."

She went at once, leaving him to reflect:

"To go to bed at daylight! When ever did