The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1918-06-17
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Why Madge Felt Strangely Embar-
rassed Under the Quirricsi Eyes Of
the Wounded Officers Nurse.
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THERE was no mistaking the quiz
zcal light in the nurses eyes this
time had fancied 1t when the
wounded officer refused childishly to
take his medicine or to go to sleep un-
less | promised to keep on holding his
hand But ! was certain--and resent
ful--of its presence when at her sug-
gestion that | was needed no longer |
protested that ! would keep my vigil
until our patient awakened.
She was careful, however, 10 let no
hint OF her amusement appear in her
voice or manner.
"Of course, you must decide that
she said quietly. III you become ia
tigued. Just call ME"
She moved noiselessly TO a table at
the other s,de OF the room and busted
herself with the chart and notebook
upon it. II was the sheereSt absurdity,
OF course. but could not help imagin-
ing that there was not only amusement,
but tingle of disapproval in her at
titude.
soon forgot her, however, In my alb
sorption in the vigil had set myself
For | found that had undereStimat-
ed my strength. The kneeing posture
which was compelled TO keep was a
most fatiguing one, and the hand that
clasped the fingers of the wounded man
soon began TO feel numb
But my pride wouldn't let me admit
my weakness. Not for worlds, told
myself, would ! ask aid of the nurse
after declaring so firmly that | would
remain at my self-imposed task
Minute after minute passed, each
successive one seeming longer. more
physically uncomfortable than the Last
How long ! knelt there ! do not know,
nor can | explain how the wounded
man came TO awaken so suddenly
Perhaps my WEAKNESS communicated
itself to his subconscousness At any
rate, he opened his eyes so unexpected.
" to me that my own eyes, which were
fixed upon his sleeping face, must
have reflected my half-frightened dis
fiay.
what Is the natter" he demanded
his voice still weak, but having some
thing of its old ring of authority.
Nothing" returned mendaciously.
"Nurser
The word was command hut the
nurse had already anticipated it. At
his first word to me she had arisen.
and as he spoke her title she bent
over him.
"Yes"
This lady is III, can't you see it?'
-Oh, no." she returned soothngly
She is simply very tired because she
hq remained in the same position Sc
long. She will be all right in a mo.
(, ment or two"
As she spoke she slipped strong
arm around my waist and fairly lifted
mt to my feet, my hand relaxing It's
stiff clasp of the officers as she did So
Then she put me in the easy chair
drawn close to the bedside and turned
back to her patient.
Madge Is Startled.
"Do you mean to tell me-" he said,
md his voice quavered weakly with ex-
xsement, that you allowed her to ia
d4ne herself in this manner7"
rose from my seat and bent over
I'm. Motionng the nurse TO one side.
PIeAse, l said, smiling TO assure
hfr that ! was all right, there is no
o. 10 blame but myself. wanted you
! t. have . good sleep, and feared YOU
might awaken II ] went away. so | re-
fused the nurses effort TO have me
leave yos.-
knew thst he had forgotten hi,
ha)f-delirioes wish for me to hold last
- hls hand while he slept, knew also
tlof n bis weakened state he would
pytleiy reproach himself bitterly for
g1G9lng the request II he learned that
~ I'D done so.
l - startled at the look that leaped
I INTO his eyes at my words. Amaze.
Hspk sfatitude. somethiag else, in