The World. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1891-1896, 1892-06-02


by James mother, and, though
she herself did not catch the disease,
her daughter was not to escape the al
most Inevitable consequences Of hes
stolen visit home. In less than . fort
night unnistakable symptoms declared
themselves; but, before the doctor had
seen her, Elaine, always prompt to help
when help was needed, had been to the
sick-room, and afterward would not be
sent away. No one else was wiling to
nurse the poor girl, and the doctor was
at last fain to consent.
The two sides OF the house were kept
entirely separate, as Mr.. Bowyer was
terribly nervous, and the housekeeper
encouraged rather than sought TO calm
his fears; 80 Elaine performed her self
imposed task alone and unaided.
1t was no want Of care or skill that
caused her non-success. The disease
was Of most virulent type, and the
absence Of hope which Is Characteristic
of the lower classes had from the first
initiated against the girls recovery.
The doctor once declared, with some
what natural indignation, that she was
dying because she bad not sufficient
{ pluck to Ilvs.
And so it happened that some ten days
later, when the violence Of the attack
s had expended itself, and nothing was
wanted but careful nursing and the pa
jtient courage Of endurance, Jane died.
Elaine was terribly grieved. She had
tried 80 hard to save her, and the disap-
pointment, combined with the fatigue
she had undergone, utterly Frustrated
her at first; but Q few days rest restored
her, and then she began to feel the lone
illness Of her position, for she was still
In quarantine and living her life sorely
alone.
Early one morning, she was surprised
20 receive . summons from Mr.. Bowyer.
After some hesitation she went over
20 his room and knocked at the door.
In very weak and quavering voice no
0ade her enter; but she only opened the
door and stood on the threshold.
He was in bed, and looking unnaturally
dushed and excited as he beck ned to
her to come nearer.
don't think 1t Is quite safe" she
demurred the doctor said must wait
. little longer before went near any
body who was at all afraid Of infection"
Ill think" gasped the old man,
painfully, 1T is too late for any fear Of
that sort. think have taken the
disease already"
In moment she sprung forward and
peered anxio6sly into the poor thin
face; she laid her hand gently against
hist was burning, and at the contact
of her cool fingers a convulsive shiver-
Ing at ensued.
A messenger was dispatched immedi-
ately for the doctor and when he came
his opinion confirmed the fears of both.
His expression was unusually grave, and
Ellen saw that he considered the case
critical one.
~ will telegraph for hospital nurse
from town." he said, as he was leaving
the room.
Don't you think me capable of nurs-
ing him 2" asked Elaine.
think you more capable than many
certificated woman" he answered,
warmly. having conceived sincere ad.
miration for her during James illness
but fear you are not strong enough
to undertake another case SO soon after
the last, unless you can get some one TO
help you"
Mrs. Priolo would do that, l am
sure. Mr.. Bowyer has a natural dislike
to. having strangers about him." an
swered Elaine, laying her hand with .
gentle reassuring pressure upon the sick
mans forehead.
THAT would do capitally, OF course.
II you are really equal to the task"
am equal to it"
Then we will consider 1t settled"
When, after giving the necessary d.
rections. the doctor had left, Elaine
went downstairs to find the house
keeper and secure her cooperation.
She was in the kitchen, and looked UP
tn evident terror as the girl came In.
Is IT true about Mr. Bowyer 2" she
asked, quickly.
Quite true. am afraid he IL going
TO be very i'll indeed. Already he is ter
Tibly weak, and the fever very high"
Are you wise to come straight from
him to me" asked Mrs. Priolo, sharply,
recoiling as the girl advanced.
/ Elaine looked q little surprised.
Does 1t matter 7" she asked. "You
will help me to nurse him, Of course"
"Ii"-not concealing her dismay at
the idea.
aAre you afraidi l don't think you
need be. II you were predisposed to
take u, you would do 30, a. he has done,
without being actually exposed to the
Infection
You are quite right, am sure; and
my natural place IL ct his side.n Il