It was an easy matter to approach this woman who had been in a manner put in her care. One look in her eyes assured Josie that she was perfectly sane. The mouth was sensitive but firm and Josie was sure that a person with that mouth could control her emotions unless under great stress, as she had perhaps been when the nervous breakdown had come upon her after the long anxiety concerning the soldier husband.
"Mrs. Waller," Josie said gently, "I have been sent to look after you."
"I am in need of nothing," was the dignified answer. Mrs. Waller continued to walk. Evidently she had no desire to engage in conversation with an attendant at the sanitarium. They were all alike, either coarse and brutal or stupid beyond belief.
Josie joined her, walking by her side.
"Mrs. Waller, I have news for you but you must be careful and not show any emotion while I talk with you." Josie's voice was quiet and firm. "I am your friend and am here at this sanitarium to see you. I have been engaged as a nurse by Dr. Harper, but am really here to give you news of—"
"My husband!" gasped the poor lady, trying to be as calm as Josie.
"No, dear lady, of your children."
"They are well?"
"Yes, well and loving you all the time and talking about you constantly. They are in good hands now."
"Ah—my Polly and Peter!"