One day before daybreak, Aunt Sarah was awakened in an unusual manner. Her face was sprinkled with water, and strong scents were held to her nose, till it seemed they were going to send her out of the world by the very means apparently employed to bring her to life again.
She opened her eyes, and saw the doctor busy with her nose.
"Righteous Heaven! I am dying!—You are killing me! Nephew, nephew, what are you doing to my nose?"
"Hush, aunt!—don't speak a word!" said the doctor with a mysterious look; "only tell me how you feel yourself."
"Tolerably well, nephew."
"You have been insensible for four hours, aunt. I was uneasy for your life; but it's all right now,—you are saved. A lovely child—"
"How!" exclaimed Sarah, almost rubbing her nose from her face.
"A sweet little boy. Do you wish to see the pretty fellow? If you will keep yourself tranquil, and not stir a limb, why——"
"But nephew——"
"I have passed it off upon every one in the house for my wife's child."