Salome Howland’s month of probation passed rapidly, and during that time she endeared herself to every one with whom she came in contact. The head nurse of the ward spoke in the highest praise of her. She had never before had any novice, she said, so efficient—no one so intelligent, or so thoroughly interested and enthusiastic in her work; while the patients whom she attended grew to love the very sound of her footstep. There was no one so gentle, so patient, and sympathetic as Miss Howland, they affirmed—no one who had so bright a smile, such cheery comforting words for those who were suffering and depressed; no one whose touch was so tender and soothing, whose voice was so musically modulated, whose steps were so light, whose service so willing. “I am glad that you like her, and that she proves so efficient,” the superintendent remarked when, at the end of the allotted month, he sought the head nurse to ascertain if she was giving satisfaction. “I should have been sorry to have sent her away, for she seemed anxious to become a trained nurse, and somehow I feel deeply interested in her.” “She is a treasure! She throws her whole heart and soul into her work; if it will only last,” the head nurse added, with a sigh, as if she feared it would not. “Do you think she is quite well? she looks so pale, while she is not nearly so robust as most of the nurses,” the superintendent remarked, as his glance followed the movements of the girl, who in her pretty white cap and apron seemed even more dainty and delicate than when he had first seen her, in her felt hat and ulster, in his office. She was moving lightly about the ward, with a free, elastic but noiseless step, distributing the flowers that were sent up every day from the conservatories for the patients, and he did not fail to notice how every face brightened at her approach, and how fondly the glance of every one lingered upon her; and surely, he thought, she was a goodly sight for any one to look upon. “She seems to be perfectly well and strong,” the nurse responded. “I am surprised at times to see how strong she is. She looks delicate, I admit; but her powers of endurance are wonderful, and she can manage with as little sleep as any one I ever saw. She is remarkably intelligent and practical too, both regarding her own health and the treatment of the patients. She obeys rigidly the rules for physical culture, is regular as a clock about taking her meals and her rest. Most of the nurses complain that they do not get sleep and rest enough, and are often dull and stupid upon being called to their duties. But Miss Howland is always bright and fresh as a daisy. She says it is because she never allows herself to talk or worry upon retiring, but wills herself to sleep immediately. I believe her only thought or aim is, how best to fit herself for her work, and I predict that she will make an invaluable nurse, if——”