Study of a Woman
STUDY OF A WOMAN BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley DEDICATION To the Marquis Jean-Charles di Negro.
Judith was actually sleeping when the two compassionate friends
picked up the rug, hammock fashion, and proceeded to "dump her into
bed." She never moved voluntarily. Judith Stearns knew a good thing
when it came her way, and what could be better than this?
"She'll ruin her skirt," suggested Jane as they drew the rug out
from under the blue accordion pleats.
"What's a mere skirt compared with that?"
Dozia stood aside to admire the unconscious Judy, but striking a
statuesque pose she caught the critical eye of Jane and was rewarded
with a most complimentary smile.
"Where did you get that wonderful robe, Dozia?" Jane asked. "You
simply look like--like some notable personage in those soft folds
and with your hair down. What a pity we must make ourselves ugly to
be conventional."
"Ain't it now," mocked Dozia, abusing language to make comedy. She
swung the velveteen folds about her and spun around to wind them
tighter. "Like this? Do I resemble a movie queen? That's what
brought me, Janie. This nocturnal visit is consequent upon a
disaster. My hammer, the one I put my queens up with, fell through
the mirror. Silly little hammer. You know how this house staff feels
STUDY OF A WOMAN BY HONORE DE BALZAC Translated by Katharine Prescott Wormeley DEDICATION To the Marquis Jean-Charles di Negro.