But it was apparent to every one that she was
selfishly attached to this only son. Louise said one day to a friend--"I
never had occasion to be jealous of Joseph's attentions to me, or of his
affection for me, except when his mother was present."
No one could help noticing the greater deference this mother paid to her
son, even when his father was present; and most fully did this son
reciprocate his mother's respectful attachment. This love and reverence
for his mother, on the part of this son, would have been right and
beautiful if it had not been so exclusive.
In one of her visits in her son's family, when she was in feeble health,
this son proposed to his mother, towards night, in the presence of
Louise, but without conferring with her, that his mother should lodge in
his broad bed, with Louise, in their well-heated nursery.
To this Louise objected, saying she would quickly have a fire made in
the spare chamber, and there would be ample time to have it thoroughly
heated; and if she did not choose to lodge alone, she would offer her a
charming young lady to sleep in the room with her. The choice was again
referred by Joseph to his mother. Louise now expostulated with her
husband. She said, as she was not strong, she needed his assistance a
part of the night, as usual, in the care of the infant. But still,
without any regard for her feelings and her wishes to the contrary,
Joseph _insisted_ that his mother should make a choice; and, strange to
say, she chose to lodge with Louise.
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