`` I am not going to see a fellow creature starve to death , even if he is a man , '' I retorted . `` The worst of it all , '' groaned Alexander Abraham , between mouthfuls of lemon cream , `` is that the doctor says I 've got to have a nurse . I 've got so kind of used to you being in the house that I do n't mind you , but the thought of another woman coming here is too much . Did you give my poor dog anything to eat ? '' `` He has had a better dinner than many a Christian , '' I said severely . Alexander Abraham need not have worried about another woman coming in . The doctor came back that night with care on his brow . `` I do n't know what is to be done , '' he said . `` I ca n't get a soul to come here . '' '' I shall nurse Mr. Bennett , '' I said with dignity . `` It is my duty and I never shirk my duty . I am noted for that . He is a man , and he has smallpox , and he keeps a vile dog ; but I am not going to see him die for lack of care for all that . '' `` You 're a good soul , Peter , '' said the doctor , looking relieved , manlike , as soon as he found a woman to shoulder the responsibility . I nursed Alexander Abraham through the smallpox , and I did n't mind it much . He was much more amiable sick than well , and he had the disease in a very mild form . Below stairs I reigned supreme and Mr. Riley and William Adolphus lay down together like the lion and the lamb . I fed Mr. Riley regularly , and once , seeing him looking lonesome , I patted him gingerly . It was nicer than I thought it would be . Mr. Riley lifted his head and looked at me with an expression in his eyes which cured me of wondering why on earth Alexander Abraham was so fond of the beast .
When Alexander Abraham was able XXXXX sit up , he began to make up for the time he 'd lost being pleasant .
Below about at for in of on through to with