The prophet, too, had a wife, who wept inconsolably--and all the
rest seemed to have some one or other to care for them. But where was
Louise--why did Louise never come?
The man on the right had a sister, who came sweeping in, gorgeous in her
trailing soiled silk dress. Her shoes were down at heel, but her hat was
a wonder, with enormous plumes. "Hallo, Ugly! how goes it?" she said;
and sat down and crossed her legs. Then the pair would talk mysteriously
of people with strange names: "The Flea," "Cockroach," "The Galliot,"
"King Ring," and the like, evidently friends of theirs. One day she
managed to bring in a small bottle of brandy, a present from "The
Hedgehog," and smuggle it under the bedclothes. As soon as she had gone,
and the coast was clear, Peer's neighbour drew out the bottle, managed
to work the cork out, and offered him a drink. "Here's luck, sonny; do
you good." No--Peer would rather not. Then followed a gurgling sound
from the docker's bed, and soon he too was lying singing at the top of
his voice.
At last one day Louise came. She was wearing her neat hat, and had a
little bundle in her hand, and as she came in, looking round the room,
the close air of the sick-ward seemed to turn her a little faint. But
then she caught sight of Peer, and smiled, and came cautiously to him,
holding out her hand. She was astonished to find him so changed. But as
she sat down by his pillow she was still smiling, though her eyes were
full of tears.
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