THE LIGHT OF HOPE.
Then commenced the struggle with disease. Philip Douglas was very ill. I
had not exaggerated the danger. He was unconscious most of the time, but
in spite of that he seemed to have a dim consciousness that there was
some good in store for him.
While he was unconscious Miss Blagden felt at liberty to spend a part of
her time in the room. She assisted the nurse, and waited patiently for
the patient's amendment.
For three days it was a matter of doubt whether he would live or die. I
gave up all other patients for him. I had become almost as anxious as
Miss Blagden. I watched Philip Douglas narrowly to note any change
either for the better or worse. It was a long and wearisome vigil. I was
waiting for the crisis.
At length it came. He began to breathe more freely, though still
unconscious. I noticed a change for the better in his pulse. Her eyes as
well as mine were fixed upon the sick man. Finally her eyes sought my
face with eager questioning.
"Is there a change?" she asked.
"Yes, he will live."
"Thank God!" she breathed, fervently, and a look of grateful joy lighted
up the face of the Disagreeable Woman.
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Transcriber's note:
Obvious typographic errors have been corrected.