Another half hour spent in alternate reading and work brought
quiet, restful sleep. But the faithful sentinel on guard labored
on, now reading from her precious book, then seeking help from the
only source whence cometh all help and comfort, and never doubting
that the answer to her prayer would eventually come.
At two o'clock Miss Reynolds aroused and again called for water;
then, after drinking thirstily, dropped restfully back upon her
pillows.
At three she awoke once more and asked for the gruel.
"Kathie, I am better--the fever is gone, and my throat is not so
sore!" she said, smiling faintly into the earnest face looking
down upon her.
"That is certainly good news," Katherine returned, as she received
the bowl half-emptied of its contents. "Now go to sleep again, and
I will lie down upon the couch."
She lay awake, working, however, until the regular breathing from
the bed told her that her patient was wrapped in slumber; when,
assured that her toiling and rowing were over for the present, and
God at the helm, she, too, dropped off, and knew no more until
aroused by the rising bell at half-past six.
She started up, but her companion slept on, and, disliking to
disturb her, she lay back and worked silently until the next bell,
at seven-thirty, called to the morning meal.
Miss Reynolds heard it also, turned over and looked at her
companion, then sat up and involuntarily put her hands to her
throat.
An expression of astonishment swept over her face.
"Katherine! why, Katherine!" she exclaimed; "where is it?"
"Where is what?" inquired the girl, going to her side.
"The swelling!"
"There is none," said Katherine, with a happy smile as she glanced
at the white, shapely neck to find it in its normal condition.
"Neither is there any soreness in my throat! Child, I do not know
what to think of it!" said the woman, with a note of awe in her
tone.
"Think that God was a very present help in time of need," returned
Katherine, with sweet seriousness and a slight tremble in her own
voice.
Miss Reynolds fell back upon her pillow, a thoughtful look on her
face. But, presently, glancing at the clock, she said:
"Dear child, you must go for your breakfast, or you will be too
late."
"I will; but what shall I bring you afterwards?"
"What may I have?"
"Anything you like."
"Truly?"
"Certainly; don't you remember what we were talking of last week--
man's God-given dominion over all things?"
"Well, it surpasses my comprehension, for I have always had to be
careful what I ate after one of these attacks! But I am in your
hands, Kathie--you may bring me what you choose, and I believe I
am hungry," Miss Reynolds returned, in a tone of conviction.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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