The woman was possessed of a cheerful nature, and refused to take any
situation too seriously, especially a situation withwhich she was so familiar.
She urged Madame to have courage and patience. But Madame only
set her teeth hard into her under lip, and Edna saw the sweat gather in
beads on her white forehead. After a moment or two she uttered a profound
sigh and wiped her face with the handkerchief rolled in a ball. She
appeared exhausted. The nurse gave her a fresh handkerchief, sprinkled
with cologne water.