The three years’ absence from Siam proved to have only a temporary
benefit for Mrs. House’s health. The burning sensation in her
head soon set in anew. She worked under constant pain; at times
her head was swathed in wet cloths to mitigate the pain so that
she could discharge her duties. Work and suffering together were
exhausting, and after another three years period she was forced
to seek a respite. To this end, in 1869, she gladly accepted the
invitation of the Burrows, of Canton, that family of good friends
to missionaries, who offered a free passage in one of their ships
and kind hospitality in their home.
This voyage to China proved to be perilous and alarming reports
of a foundered ship reached Dr. House at Bangkok. Fortunately the
ship’s encounter was not fatal.
“When twenty-eight days out the ship sprang a leak, made
eleven inches of water an hour, eight feet a day. Men kept
constantly at pumps; had to lighten the ship by throwing over
some one thousand sacks of rice, one-tenth the cargo, and
undergird the ship with a large sail—‘thrumming’ they call
it. Spoke a ship which promised to keep company and to come
and help if at night a certain lantern signal was hoisted.
Lost sight of her however. Were indeed in great peril. But a
gracious Providence brought them in safety.”
A visit of three months away from the tropics gave renewed vigour
and again Mrs. House returned to Bangkok with buoyant hopes of a
measure of comfort for her work. But as soon as the dry season had
passed the pain renewed its malign attack. At this perspective of
time the wonder is that she persisted in hope of being able even
to remain, much less labour in the tropics. Her persistence is a
silent testimony to her earnest desire to do something for the
Siamese women. After another twelve-month she was again compelled
to seek relief. Desiring to see once more her mother, then eighty
years of age, she sailed alone for America, arriving in the summer
of 1871.