I was so taken up with watching her that I forgot all about my
patient, until a prolonged sigh from the bed reminded me of her
existence. With an effort I then advanced, and was about to approach
the bed, when the child, without moving her head, motioned me back,
and--again I was helpless. The vision I had obtained of the sick
woman, brief though it was, filled me with alarm. She was tossing to
and fro on the blankets, and breathing in the most agonised manner as
if in delirium, or enthralled by some particularly dreadful
nightmare. Her condition so frightened me, that I made the most
frantic efforts to overcome my inertia. I did not succeed, however,
and at last, utterly overcome by my exertion, I closed my eyes. When
I opened them again, the chair by the bed was vacant--the child had
gone. A tremendous feeling of relief surged through me, and, jumping
out of my seat, I hastened to the bedside--my patient was worse, the
fever had increased, and she was delirious. I took her temperature.
It was 104. I now sat close beside her, and my presence apparently
had a soothing effect. She speedily grew calmer, and after taking her
medicine gradually sank into a gentle sleep which lasted until late
in the morning. When I left her she had altogether recovered from the
relapse. I, of course, told the doctor of the child's visit, and he
was very angry.
"Whatever happens, Nurse," he said, "take care that no one enters the
room to-night; the patient's condition is far too critical for her to
see any one, even her own daughter.
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