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N
THE
ADVENTURES OF PHILIP
CHAPTER I
DOCTOR FELL
OT attend her own son when he is ill !" said my mother.
" She does not deserve to have a son !" And Mrs. Pendennis
looked towards her own only darling whilst uttering
this indignant exclamation. As she looked, I know what passed
througn her mind. She nursed me, she dressed me in little caps
and long-clothes, she attired me in my first jacket and trousers. She
watched at my bedside through my infantile and juvenile ailments.
She tended me through all my life, she held me to her heart
with infinite prayers and blessings. She is no longer with us
to bless and pray; but from heaven, where she is, I know her
love pursues me; and often and often I think she is here, only
invisible.
" Mrs. Firmin would be of no good," growled Dr. Goodenough.
" She would have hysterics, and the nurse would have two patients
to look after."
" Don't tell me," cries my wife, with a flush on her cheeks.
" Do you suppose if that child " (meaning, of course, her paragon)
" were ill, I would not go to him ?"
" My dear, if that child were hungry, you would chop off your
head to make him broth," says the doctor, sipping his tea.
"Potage a la bonne femme," says Mr. Pendennis. "Mother,
we have it at the club. You would be done with milk, eggs, and
a quantity of vegetables. You would be put to simmer for many
hours in an earthen pan, and _______ "
" Don't be horrible, Arthur !" cries a young lady, who was my
mother's companion of those happy days.
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