“Thank you—oh! thank you so much, doctor, dear, for giving back to me the sweetest sister in all, all the whole world!”
Day by day more paint was required to cover the growing pallor, and always more and more. And always more drugs to keep the eyes bright and the spirits from flagging. When the young doctor wasn’t by her side he was studying—searching—until there was nothing in all medical science for prolonging life which he did not know.
The house became gay again because of the lie that was practiced. The noises which had been hushed when there was danger were resumed.
There was at last a day when the doctor helped at the dressing and painting; so near was the shadow that she might have flown at a breath.
And so they put upon her, lying in their hands, wonderful garments and ribbons and embroideries. And even the little hands on that day had to be carefully “made up” to conceal the livid blue. Then when all was ready, they sat her royally up in bed, lighted the candles, closed the blinds and let the waiting family enter—for it was the day before Christmas.
They came to music—the moment the door was opened—bursting with joy. A processional they made of it!
“Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;