III. The Trained Nurse
For five days the whole family did everything they knew to help save the baby’s life. Mr. Duwell was worried not only about the baby but about the children’s mother.
“I agree with the doctor that it would be much wiser to have a trained nurse,” he said on Saturday afternoon.
“But mother cannot bear the thought of letting anyone else take care of the baby,” said Ruth.
“I know that mother is a splendid nurse,” Mr. Duwell continued; “but a trained nurse knows all the best new methods of nursing, and could give much relief to mother, who is tired out.”
Just then the bell rang.
“It is the doctor,” said Ruth. Mr. Duwell went to the door, followed by the little girl.
The doctor was not alone. With him was a young lady. Ruth liked her at once; she seemed so quiet and strong, and looked so kind.
Do you think this is the right kind of bed for a sick baby? Why not?
“How do you do, sir?” said Doctor Marcy to Mr. Duwell. “This is Miss Foster, a trained nurse. I am taking matters in my own hands, you see. That good wife of yours is entirely worn out.”
“I am pleased to meet Miss Foster and I am very much obliged to you for bringing her, doctor,” Mr. Duwell replied.
“It seems to me to be the very best thing to do. I have tried to persuade Mrs. Duwell to see things that way,” said the doctor.
“Oh, come upstairs, doctor,” called Mrs. Duwell, hearing the doctor’s voice; “I think baby is scarcely breathing.”
“Come,” said the doctor to the nurse, leading the way.
Mrs. Duwell was standing near the crib as they entered.
“This is the nurse I was talking about,” the doctor said, introducing Miss Foster, and turning to look at the baby.
“I am very glad—” Mrs. Duwell started to speak, but she fainted away before she could finish the sentence.
The nurse did not seem frightened. She laid Mrs. Duwell flat on the floor. After sprinkling cold water on her face, she held some smelling salts to her nose.
In a minute or two Mrs. Duwell opened her eyes. “I must have fainted,” she said; “I am so glad you were here, nurse. Doctor, how is baby?”
“About as I expected,” the doctor replied. “I believe the worst will be over to-night. Now, I want you to take this medicine which Miss Foster will give you, and lie down for a while. I expect to come back about ten o’clock to-night. Good-by; please obey Miss Foster’s orders,” he added.
“It is such a relief to my mind, doctor,” said Mr. Duwell, meeting him at the foot of the stairs, “to know that the nurse is here.”
“It is a relief,” replied the doctor. “If the strain had kept on much longer, Mrs. Duwell would have had a long term of illness.”