With a loud bark he seizes then
The little maiden’s ragged gown,
And pulls her rapidly along,
Down to the busy crowded town.
At length the hospital they reach,
Where Tray before found kindly aid,
And Nelly is dragged quickly in,
Though trembling now and much afraid.
He drew her to the doctors’ room,
And straight up to his former friend;
With wistful eyes and bark that asks,
“Will you to this poor child attend?”
“Why, what is it?” the surgeon cries;
“Another patient do you bring?
A child, too—speak, poor little one,
Can we for you do anything?”
Then Nelly, sobbing, shows her arm.
“‘Tis broken!” all the doctors say.
They set it, and then call a nurse—
For Nelly in the house must stay.
Soon in a snowy little bed
The suffering child is snugly laid.
Ah! what a change from the bare loft,
Where in the dark and cold she stayed.
And dainty food is to her brought;
While gentle words and tender smiles
Soothe the slow hours of burning pain,
And pity half her grief beguiles.
[Please click on the image for a bigger image.]
Yet the nurse sees an anxious look
In the wide eyes of loveliest blue,
And asks what troubles Nelly still—
What more for her they all can do.