About noon
_ Thus affectionately stimulated in her duties , Polly brought cold water galore , and laid out her new merino dress . In this sober suit , with plain linen collar and cuffs , the Somerset dressed herself , and resumed her watching by the bedside . She kept more than ever out of sight , for the patient was now beginning to mutter incoherently , yet in a way that showed his clouded faculties were dwelling on the calamity which had befallen him . About noon the bell was rung sharply , and , on Polly entering , Rhoda called her to the window and showed her two female figures plodding down the street . `` Look , '' said she . `` Those are the only women I envy . Sisters of Charity .