Mrs. Danforth told him she had no immediate engagement, but thought it doubtful whether she should be summoned. Indeed, she hoped not. She dreaded exceedingly the publicity of a hotel.
When Mr. Haven called, however, she could not resist his pleading for her to go and take care of his darling child, nor the silent entreaty of Harrison's glistening eyes; and in another hour she was an inmate of the large public house.
Poor little Ella had been seriously ill only three days, but her flesh was all wasted away, and her large, earnest eyes were so protruded that they formed the prominent features of her face. Her fever ran very high, and rendered her delirious when she first awoke. At other times she was conscious of all that occurred around her.
Mrs. Haven took advantage of a moment when she was free from pain, and introduced the new nurse, knowing it would give the child so much pleasure.
Ella smiled a faint, wan smile, and presently whispered, "Is your boy sorry I'm sick?"
"Yes, indeed," answered nurse. "He could not rest until I came to take care of you."
"He came to the door, my darling," added the lady, "and begged us to send for his mother."
The child smiled again, and seemed satisfied, and soon sunk into a quiet sleep.
Two days more and there seemed scarcely a hope that the dear little girl could recover. Her parents, worn out with their previous watching and with the corroding care which filled their breasts grew more and more desponding every time the physician called. Nurse alone maintained her belief that the disease had abated, and that only nourishment and tender care were needed, to restore her to health. She pointed out the favorable symptoms to the physician, who allowed her to try the effect of a spoonful of chicken tea. She went to the kitchen, being unwilling to trust any one but herself to make it. The experiment was attended with perfect success; and the grateful parents could not sufficiently express their thanks. From this time the emaciated form began to resume some faint resemblance to its former self. In three weeks from Mrs. Danforth's entrance to the sick-chamber, the doctor said they had no more need of him; adding, as he gave his hand, at parting, to the faithful nurse, "Under God, the child owes her life to your watchful care. If there were more nurses like you, fewer doctors would be required."
"It is pleasant to cooperate with a true man," was her smiling reply.