New Britain herald., 1916-04-12
The Crisis Passed.

The Crisis Passed
 ''Your mother will live. She has passed the danger point"
 As Dr. Petit uttered the words, Dicl<y gave a quick sob of relief and frightened the clasp of his arm about me. We had been standing huddled together like two frightened chil- dren while we waited for the phy sician's verdict.
 For the fight Dr. Petit had pre- dicted when he had summoned Miss Sonnot to the case had been a grim fight for life. My mOthcr-in-laW had not had pneumonia, although she had come as near to it as possible. But when that danger was averted shc had experienced one heart attack after another until We had despalred of her recovery. The news that she would live was almost as surprising as it was welcome.
 How can I ever thank you. Dr. Petit? You have saved my mothers lfc'' Dickys words were banal enough. but their sincerity was evi- denced by his tense face and shining eyes.
 Not l." Dr. Petit shook his head, smiling The little lady in the
  thank. Without her skill in nursing we could never have pulled your mother through And there is an- ether person to whom thanks are due"
 He stopped and smiled at me, one of the rare smiles which light up his face when he is especially gratifed. I felt curious little thrill of pride at his look. although I was horribly em- barrassed.
 I've should have had to secure the services of another nurse besides Miss Sonnot if it had not been for your wife," pr. Petit went on. T did not want two nurses on the case on ac- count of your mothers precarious condition-it would have annoyed her to get used to another stranger. But your wife, with her unusual eX- perience in caring for the heart at tacks of her own mother was able to give Miss Sonnot the rest she needed. You really ought to have been nurse Mrs Graham
 Heaven forbid," said Dicl<y fer vently Then he kissed me tenderly. I flushed to my temples. for I much disliked his giving me the caress with Dr. Pettit's eyes upon us. But Dicky was oblivious of my discomfort.
 Off to Bed.
 You ought to get some sleep at cnce, Mrs. Graham pr. Petit went on Miss Sonnot tells me that you did not lie down last night at all. She is quite anxious about you
 But what about her?"' I de- manded "She has had no rest, tither."
 Don't worry about Miss Sonnot" a demure voice said near us. The little nurse passed through the room with her arms full of hot water bags. ''But Mrs. Graham must go to bed immediately. I do not want another patient on my hands,
 But I don't like to leave you alone" I protested feebly, "and Mir. Graham hasn't had any rest either.'
 For heavens sake don't be martyr Madge," Dicky exploded. "I'm all right. I'll lie down on the couch here in the living room and sleep like q top. Then if Miss Sonnot needs anything she can wake me in a second You go to bed.'
 As you are all so determined.' said, smiling miserably. 1T will obey >ou Good morning, pr. Petit. We can never thank you sufficiently
 There was something about the tall 1,hysician's clasp of my hand that s:eadied and strengthened me. l looked up at him and found him re- garding me with a look that held sympathy and inspiration as well. His look said. "I know, but brace up, don't mind it..
 All he said, however. was: " ou are very wise. Good morning.. He released my hand, and l hur- lied into my bedroom. but not to sleep. My nerves were at too high a tension for that. I felt as II l never should be able to lose myself in siumber again. If it had not been for the memory of pr. Pettit's glance and handclasp l should have burst into a nervous paroNysm of tears. You really ought to have been rurse," he had said to me. A fine : nurse, indeed, I told myself bitterly, i when a rough word or two could 1 make me feel like crying in silly : school girl fashion.
 I took off my house dress and ] shoes.> and put on my bathrobe and slippers, for my room felt cold 1 Then, taking pencil and paper I be