Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1894-09-13
l. ''der tie Cloud
By F. s. WILLIAMSON,


wait a little longer before [ went neal
anybody who was at all afraid Of in
fectiOn''
i think" gasped the old man
painfully, ut is too late for any fea1
of that sort. I think l have taken the
disease already"
In moment she sprung forward
and peered anXiously into the poor
thin face; she Laid her hand gently
against hist was burning, and at the
contact of her cool fingers a convulsive
shivering fit ensued.
A messenger was dispatched imme-
diately for the DOCTOR and when he
came his opinion confirmed the fears
Of both. His expression was unusu-
ally grave, and Ellen saw that he con-
sidered the case a critical one
Il will telegraph for hospital nurse
from town." he said, as he was leav.
ing the room.
Don't you think me capable of
nursing him?" asked Elaine
Il think you more capable than many
a certificated woman" he answered,
warmly, having conceived a 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, I am
sure. Mr.. Bowyer has a natural dis,
like to having strangers about him. -
answered Elaine, laying her hand with
a gentle reassuring pressure upon the
sick mans forehead.
THAT would do capitally, of course
if you are really equal to the task
Il am equal to it."
Then we will consider it settled"
When, after giving the necessary di-
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 in evident terror as the girl came in.
is t tue about Mr. Bowyer?' she
asked, quickly.
"Quite true. [ am afraid is he going
to be very i'll indeed. Already he is
terribly 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 a little surprised.
Does it matterY' she asked. You
will help me to nurse him, of course"
'I!'-not concealing her dismay at
the idea.
Are you afraid? l don't think you
need be. If you were predisposed to
take it, you would do so, as he has
done, without being actually exposed
to the Infection
you are quite right, l am sure; and
my natural place is at his side
Il was sure you would think SO"-
quietly.
But" continued the woman. hastily,
lit is impossible. / have some bust
ness in London which must be done
l heard about it only this morning. 1
should lose every farthing [ possess
if 1 did not 60"
Elaine smiled contemptuousiy, not
attempting to disguise her disbelief in
the hastily invented excuse.
Have you considered that, if Mr..
BOwyer is displeaSed at your absence.
you may lose more than you would
save by going nOw?"
The woman darted an angry look at
Elaine, but remained sullenly silent.
Even if the money is not sufficient
inducement for you to remain, you
must surely remember his invariable
kindness to you these last ten years.
1t would break his heart if you left
him now, and for such a reason
Il am the best judge ofsmy own ac-
tons l tell you it is impossible |
should stay'-sulkily.
Besides" continued the girl, with
patient persuasiveness, mo one could
nurse him better than you; he is accus-
toned to you, and seemed so pleased
when l assured him he should not
have a professional nurse-only you
and l would be with him"
You should have consulted me be-
fore you made any such rash promises.
Of course a professional nurse is the
proper thing. Anything else would be
simple madneSS-dangerOu to us all
alike Miss Ellen, for Heavens sake
don't come so nearr' she broke off eX-
citedly, as the girl moved a little
nearer to try one more appeal
Elaine drew back with a deep sigh,
convinced that any further effort
would be useless. The woman's sell
fish fear was apparent, and nothing
she could urge would avail since the
argument of the money had not moved
her.
The cook came in at that moment,
and Elaine turned to her, and gained
the promise of her assistance. She
would do everything possible to help
that did not necessitate her going into
the sick-room. And with this Elaine
resolved to be contented, knowing how
the presence Of any stranger would
fret the invalid and increase his fever.
Having made her arrangements, she
returned to Mr.. Bowyer's room. She
sat down beside him, and, pouring
some lavender-water over her hand,
passed it through his hair with a gen
tie caressing movement which soOthed
his disquietude.
Presently he asked after Mrs. Priolo;
and she told him that the housekeeper
had been called away to London on i'm
portant affairs, but that the cook
would help her as far as possible.
He did not answer at once but after
a little while he said, in low sad tones
which showed that he too was not