Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1903-07-15
ruE announcement that


nursing in general threw the
village of Foxdale into an unusual
state of excitement. That these lee.
lures were to be for ladies only added
q mystery that merely increased the
interest manifested in the minds Of
these favored individuals. Notices
calling attention to these facts were
posted in favorable spots about the
village, and the congregation was ap-
prised Of the same from the pulpit
Of the parish church.
If Miss Prior excluded the male
community from her attentions, she
herself was not disregarded, but
formed the subject Of much criticism
among the neglected members Of the
Foxdale population. The nightly dis
cussions at the Pig and Whistle centred
round these proceedings, the knowl-
edge respecting the subject being va
rled and obscure. FoXdale had never
had its peace disturbed by anything
more intellectual than an occasional
travelling circus, so that the prospect
OF Miss PrIor's advent awOlc the quiet
village from its usual apathy.
The lectures proving 4 sreat success
so far as the attendance was COLI
cerned. Miss Prior announced that,
providing q sufficient number camc
forward, the institution she represent.
ed in London would be pleased to con-
duct classes in the same subject during
the ensuing months. This finding IA.
vor FoXdale teemed with embryo
nurses, thirstins for opportunities to
test their newly-acqulred knowledge
and to put it to practical use. Broken
bones not being an everyday occur
renee, they turned their attentions to
sound ones; many hours that might
have been spent much more congen-
tally ut the Pig ard Whistle being
passed by long-sufering husbands in
submitting various parts Of their anat.
omy to be bardaged and put in splints.
to give their better halves the neces
sary practice.
Old Sam Willct was the first to be-
come q genuine patient, and he llmped
home early one afternoon with q
sprained ankle. Mrs. Wil!et was the
most earnest devotec in the new cause,
and received her husband fguratiyely
with open arms and welcomed him
with fervor, stimulated by the advent
Of the first case Of necessity for the
trial Of her skill.
With the wounded ankle carefully
bandaged Mr.. Willet was assisted into
the front garden, where, reclining in
comfortable chair. his injured foot
resting on n hassock, lie served the
double purpose Of advertising his
wife's skill and creating jealousy
among the other amateur nurses in the
village.
He was inclined to grumblc at his
enforced confinement at first; but the
kind and increasing attentions Of his
wife caused him to feel more contented
with his lot, and to look upon his acci-
dent as fortunate occurrence. 1t
being the period Of the year during
which the evenings were long and
balmy, Mr.. Wiilet sat in the garden
and held receptions Of numerous
friends coming to inquire after his
hurt and to cheer his loneliness.
1T must be tryin' fol- you to ave to
sit so quiet all day. SAM" said Joe
Rogers, who. living next door to Mr..
Willet. had had his feelings somewhat
severely tried Mt the sight of that per-
sonage enjoying an early morning nlpe
and daily paper.
"You set used to It," answered Sam.
II did feel 1t ard at first, but the rests
nice. after the 'ard worl; I've done;
but 1t pulls you down bit"
you're lookin' WELL" remarked an
other, in CHEEKY voice. "Gettin' quite
fat, you are"
Look at the nursing I've 'ad," re.
sponded Sam. "Why, I couldn't ave
had been better looked after If I'd
been In 'ospital."
Mrs. Willct smiled proudly, and
glanced with IN expression of triumph
at the faces of several Of her rivals
who were present.
"I'll get you your tonic" she said,
solictIously. "You mustn't talk too
much. or we shall ave you goin' back
again, and you're gettin on nicely
now"
~ as this three times day." said
Willett, beamingly, as his wife re-
turned. Its to keep strength up; it's
wonderful 'ow it sustains one. Puts
you all in a glow" he added, Gs he
took draught and put the tumbler
down empty.
when shall you be about again,
sam?" inquired Joe. whose face during
the above incident had been a study.
~ don't know" replied thnt worthy,
glngerly moving his injured foot on the
cushion. at doesn't do to 'urry these
things: there's nothin' like gettin'
cured while you're about it.
Sprains is awkward things"
Mrs. Willet interposed Mt this point
and insisted on the invalid returning
indoors, SO the party broke up, Joe
Rogers and others adiourning to the
Pig and Whistle to discuss the advan-
tageS Of wife who understands and
takes n practical interest in the gentle
art Of nursing. Two days later Joe
Rogers fell victim, his right knee
giving away altogether, rendering
walking evidently q painful and dan
serous undertaking. Mrs. Rogers. full
Of the new responsibility now resting
upon her. sought an Interview with
Mrs. Willet, and the two went of TO-
gether to hold consultation over the
injured and apparently suffering Joe.
Similar treatment being meted out to
the new invalid, the two conversed
amiably over the hedge that divided
the gardens, comparing symptoms, and
receiving in state numerous interested
friends during the evening.
AIisfortunes never come singly, and
had the invalids suffered from scarlet