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Updated: May 25, 2025
"It seemed to me better for you, Maurice, to go and see her and engage her to enter upon her duties to-morrow morning. That will give you an opportunity this evening of preparing the countess for her reception." Maurice acted upon Madeleine's suggestion, and, after a very brief conversation with Mrs. Gratacap, secured her services. Mrs.
Gratacap returned in one quarter the time which the countess imagined it would require to swallow the most hasty meal. "Well, I do say, that's a sight for sore eyes!" exclaimed the nurse.
Gratacap went to her meals; but little was gained by that, for the nurse was always flitting in and out of the drawing-room, or dining-room, at unexpected moments, and only the turning of the key kept her out of the countess's own chamber. The first time that Madame de Gramont bethought herself of visiting her son when the inevitable garde malade was absent, Mrs.
Gratacap returned to her patient as undisturbed as though the countess had merely requested her presence as a matter of courtesy. The torment Madame de Gramont was destined to endure from this straightforward, steady-of-purpose, unterrified New England woman, must exceed the comprehension of those who never felt within themselves the workings of an overbearing spirit. Mrs.
And who's this, and who's that?" looking first at the countess and then at Bertha. Maurice was forced to answer, "That is Madame de Gramont, my grandmother, and this is Mademoiselle de Merrivale, my cousin." "Ah, very good! How are you, ma'am? Glad to see you, miss!" said Mrs. Gratacap, nodding first to one and then to the other. "Guess we shall get along famously together."
I've had it for thirty odd years that I've been nursing; and I don't think I shall change it in thirty more." She flounced out of the room after this declaration, leaving the countess in a state which Mrs. Gratacap herself would have described as "quite upset;" but the haughty lady had scarcely time to recover her equanimity before the strong-minded nurse returned to the attack.
Gratacap was about to answer; but Maurice silenced her by a reproving look, and then asked again, "What has happened? Why does my father seem so much distressed?" "I have been preparing his mind" began the countess. Mrs. Gratacap broke in, "Upsetting his mind, you mean."
Gratacap withdrew and quickly returned accompanied by Bertha who was trembling with alarm; for the messenger had lost no time in making the sad communication. "I cannot tell my grandmother, Bertha, in the presence of Adolphine. Will you not beg your aunt to come to me in the drawing-room?" said Maurice.
The countess had retreated to her own room; but Mrs. Gratacap broke in upon her, crying out, "I say, when will that young man be back? He's gone off without telling me when he'd be at his post again."
Before Madame de Gramont could answer, Maurice said to the nurse, in a persuasive tone, "Pray leave us, for a little while, Mrs. Gratacap." "I wouldn't contrary you for the world!" returned the nurse. "Only when she's done, just you come to me and I'll give you the rights of the case." Mrs. Gratacap departed, and the countess continued,
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