and then for themselves, that they,
"By prayer, and sympathy, and smile,
The burden of the weary might beguile."
How better could they step into the daily routine than thus equipped?
Breakfast in their own rooms was followed by hours of occupation. Sister Warwick preferred to take her share of actual nursing with the rest.
Before the house-physician's visit was over a piteous wail from bed No. 12 rang through the ward.
"It do hurt so! I can't bear it—I can't!"
Sister Warwick knew that Patty had been spoilt at home, and that her pain was really bearable. She had tried petting. Now she felt that firmness with a flavour of severity would have to be applied.
Earlier in the morning, and in a happier moment, Patty had said insinuatingly—
"You don't know how I like eggs, Sister, or you'd give me one!" and she had answered—
"I will give you one, dear, but not while you do not try to be good and quiet. Patty must learn to bear her pain bravely like the rest. Anyhow, we will see what Mr. H—— (the house physician) says."