South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-07-29

nurse was awaiting me and informed
me l was to go to bed at once. Mean
time she would inform "the profess
sor'' 1 was ready for him. The words
had sinister sound, but my courage
was coming up a little. Besides the
nurse said ii so sweetly and yet so
matter f-factly that my nervousness
yielded a trifle TO the soothing influ-
ence.
1 found the bed very comfortable.
1t was not as broad as the one l am
accustomed to thrash around IN at
home, but il was wide enough for all
practical purpose, and smooth and
restful. l caught myself heaving
sigh Of relief as l settled down be-
tween sheets that were so clean they
smelled, and by the time 1.-The pro-
lessor" arrived 1 was quite comfort
able, except for the apprehension as
TO what he would do to me.
Arrival of the Professor.
He came in quite ostentatiously and
and with a subdued business buzz. He
was accompanied by the head nurse,
my own nurse and two internes. The
two nurses carried writing pads and
pencils. 1t suggested a priest and his
retinue taking the last statement of
dying man, or police officer and his
secretaries about to work the third
degree.
But nothing of either kind hap
pened.
What did happen was more like
taking the census. l gave them my
name, residence, age and other par
ticulars for hospital record. Then
the professor" in whom l recognized
the surgeon to whom my physician
recommended me, gave me a physical
examination.
You are in fine shape for an OPP
Grafton" he said. Il Will be ready
for you at 9 o'clock tomorrow morn
ing"
He said it pleasantly, but with en-
phasis, much as he would have spoken
If making a business date with me,
but somehow 1 couldn't take it so
calmly, but l managed TO say TO my
self
You're up against it, What's the
use OF kicking?"
And then as the professor-he is
real professor-and his retinue de
parted the nurse came forward with
that smile of encouragement on which
1 learned to lean and said,
Don't be worried. We are going
to take you through all right" And
she gave the pillow little touch that
seemed TO diSSipate my fears and pre-
pare me for the ordeal 1 was to pass
through in the morning.
Besides" she added. you have
come TO us before you are dead"
"How's that?" l asked with more
bewilderment.
You haven't waited until 1t is too
late to operate. Now" she said with
a little business-like air. you must
have your cocktail"
II didn't know you served drinks"
I replied with the first thing resem-
bling a smile had worn for some time.
20. yes" she laughed. but per-
haps ii may not suit your taste as
some others may. But ii does
the business"
And II did.
When l went to the operating table
the next morning 1 was as clean as
hounds tooth outside and in.
An Uncomprehended Situation.
Though with my consent my physi-
sian had provided for a room and
private nurse l had not realized what
IL meant, nor did L come to under
stand all at once. 1t dawned on me
gradually that for the period of my
confinement between those four walls
that young woman was to be a part OF
my life, and a very important one too.
As night came on strange things
happened. a couch was brought in
and placed in the far corner of the
room. Then a folding screen was
placed in front OF IL. Still l did not
understand until my nurse came TO
me and said,
IF you want anything in the night
just speak TO me. l will sleep on the
couch, but l sleep very lightly and a
word will awaken me-"
Then ] began TO understand, not
only what il meant 10 my physical
comfort 10 have a private nurse. but
the nobility OF a calling which re-
quires the utter submersion OF self.
True we have the same unselfish de-
votiOn in our homes, but II is from the
loved ones who have always been and
always will be an essential part OF
our lives.
I was an utter stranger TO this
young woman and I was a man. Think
OF the strength OF character, the
resoluteness OF purpose. the humane
ness Of heart that qualified this young
woman for her task Think OF the
interest in her fellow creatures that
inspired her with the ambition 10 be
come nurse, OF the sympathy with
human suffering and the desire 10 de-
vote her life 10 its alienation. Think
OF the courage, the confidence and the
faith in human nature!
Under the quieting influence OF my
environment I slept soundIy ana
awoke early TO find my nurse absent
She had slipped out TO get her break
fast. but presently returned TO nnd me
gazing quietly out OF the window al
the March sky and watching the snow
flakes that notified the atmosphere.
her CHEEKY Good morning" was a
tonic that made me think OF break
fast. only 10 dismiss the thought with
the recollection that l was not 10
break my fast that morning. People
who are about 20 pass under the sur
geon's knife are not encouraged 10
think thoughts OF that kind. BY
process OF suggestion they are inspired
10 bridge over the present and con-
fernnlafe the added zest with which