It is well for that kindly hearted man that the patient
is not only stretched out on his bed, but also unarmed. Ah! how many
men earn sudden death and yet in the mystery of Providence escape it!
I have often wondered at the persistency with which habit has fixed
on women the exclusive reputation of gossipers. For I say unto you,
brethren, that Woman, who with empty head and silly tongue toys with
her neighbor's character unto its destruction, is not more full of
gossip than her brother Man, who knows better and yet cannot stand the
temptation of a sick man and a safe chance to chatter about matters
with which he has no business. I am afraid like the idea of original
sin we all have just a little spice of it.
* * * * *
A relief to this friend, and a friend I never saw before, was my Moth.
I think he came into the world about February, having been deceived
by the hot room into the belief that Spring had come. Many days after,
when snow could be seen on the ground, I have seen him feebly climbing
up the window pane and looking out with the air of one whose whole
life had been a dreadful mistake. The first time I saw him was one
night sitting in the light and heat of the lamp, his grey wing shining
like silver and his brown little body giving a soft, velvety light,
his face grave with owl-like stupidity, and two big black eyes.
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