Tuesday night passed, and the
fever still increased. I had become very anxious, but I dared not
stay with her, for I knew not what might happen if I were absent from
my work. I was obliged to try and think of somebody who would come
and help us. Our friend Taylor, who once was the coal-porter at
Somerset House, came into my mind. He, as I have said when talking
about him, was married, but had no children. To him accordingly I
went. I never shall forget the alacrity with which he prompted his
wife to go, and with which she consented. I was shut up in my own
sufferings, but I remember a flash of joy that all our efforts in our
room had not been in vain. I was delighted that I had secured
assistance, but I do believe the uppermost thought was delight that
we had been able to develop gratitude and affection. Mrs. Taylor was
an "ordinary woman." She was about fifty, rather stout, and entirely
uneducated. But when she took charge at our house, all her best
qualities found expression. It is true enough, omnium consensu capax
imperii nisi imperasset, but it is equally true that under the
pressure of trial and responsibility we are often stronger than when
there is no pressure. Many a man will acknowledge that in difficulty
he has surprised himself by a resource and coolness which he never
suspected before.
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