She will
make a furore again; no other woman can hold a candle to her in a
ballroom. To-night is the first time since the birth of our second child
that she will grace a public entertainment with her presence; and
unfortunately her appearance will be a brief one, for the infant is not
yet wholly weaned." He shut the door and lowered his voice. "You have
had some experience of doctoring, you say; I should like a word with you
in your medical capacity. The thing is this. My wife has persisted,
contrary to my wishes, in suckling both children herself."
"Quite right, too," said Mahony. "In a climate like this their natural
food is invaluable to babes."
"Exactly, quite so," said Turnham, with a hint of impatience. "And in
the case of the first child, I made due allowance: a young mother. . .
the novelty of the thing. . . you understand. But with regard to the
second, I must confess I--How long, sir, in your opinion, can a mother
continue to nurse her babe without injury to herself? It is surely
harmful if unduly protracted? I have observed dark lines about my wife's
eyes, and she is losing her fine complexion.--Then you confirm my
fears. I shall assert my authority without delay, and insist on
separation from the child.--Ah! women are strange beings, Mr. Mahony,
strange beings, as you are on the high road to discovering for
yourself."
Mahony returned to town on foot, the omnibus having ceased to run. As he
walked--at a quick pace, and keeping a sharp look-out; for the road was
notoriously unsafe after dark--he revolved his impressions of the
interview.
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