“Well, having got thus far, be content for the present. And now, Mistress Allison, let me take the guiding of your works and ways, for a time. I am older than you, and in some things, wiser. You shall be drawn into no net, and you shall make no vain sacrifice at the bidding of any one, if I can prevent it. I believe you are striving to do right. Now, go away to Mrs Robb’s, and try to sleep well, and wait till you hear from me. It may be in the morning, but it may not be for several days. Have you any woman’s work to keep you busy till then?”
“I can find some, I daresay. I give you many thanks for your kind words. My heart is lighter since I have seen your face. Yes, I will be patient and wait.”
“That is the right way. Be sure and keep yourself busy about some kind of work till you hear from me again.”
Chapter Twenty Six.
“What we win and hold, is through some strife.”
Allison waited patiently through one day, and a little anxiously through the second. On the third day there came a note from Doctor Fleming, formal and brief, offering her the place of nurse in the infirmary, which she had held for a short time three years before. Allison was a little startled as she read it, but she did not hesitate a moment in deciding to accept it, and in the evening she went to see him, as he had requested her to do.
“Yes,” said the doctor as she entered, “I was sure you would come; you are wise to come. It will be better for you to have something to take up your time and your thoughts for a while at least, and you will be at hand. You must keep strong and well, and you must take up your abode with Mistress Robb. And, my dear,” added the doctor gravely, “I would advise you when you come to wear a mutch, and if it is big and plain it will answer the purpose none the worse for that. You’ll be better pleased with as little notice as may be for the present.”
Allison smiled and assented. She came to the place the next day in her straight black gown and holland apron, a cap of thick muslin covering all her pretty hair.