of heart - then one forgave all else
but I know ^of what I affirm - for it
was learned in suffering - one de-
lightful exception remains as a
tableaux vivant in my memory of a
life-time. A woman short - wholesome,
as fresh air itself in her person - with
soft padded hands - a round face -
amiable mouth - as round - blue eyes
half smiling with gentle affection from
out her frilled cap tied under her chin
(not perched coquettishly on the top of her
head) Moving evenly, and quietly, never
with a jerk or rustle - never clicking the
door handle, or spanking the pillow or
brushing with a broom. She was a
noiseless presence in symphonic touch
with the dull half conscious days and
nights of fever, emerging from the
crisis with cheer in every contour
of mind and body, stimulating
Nature to her rebound with spiced broths
and fragrant baths and her sweet un-