'
And so, by harping on the alternatives, and demonstrating the prudence,
humanity, and duty of action, and the inevitably fatal consequences of
the other course, he wrought upon her at last to write a note to Surgeon
Dillon to come out on the evening following, and to perform the
operation. The dreadful word 'to-day,' the poor little woman could not
abide. She pleaded for a respite, and so, half-distracted, fixed
to-morrow.
'I hope, my dear Madam, you've some little confidence in me. I think I
have shown an interest, and I've striven to be of use.'
'Oh, Sir, Mr. Dangerfield, you've been too good, our guardian angel; but
for you, Sir, we should not have had a roof over our heads, or a bed to
lie on; oh! may--'
'Well, Ma'am, you please to speak too highly of my small services; but I
would plead them, humble as they are, as a claim on your confidence, and
having decided upon this wise and necessary course, pray do not say a
word about it to anybody but myself. I will go to town, and arrange for
the doctor's visit, and you'll soon, I hope, have real grounds for
gratitude, not to me, Ma'am, but to Heaven.
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