God and all good men will watch over him.
But if you cannot still this agony of fear as to what will become
of him, you ought not to go. Such tremulous passion will
predispose you to take the fever."
"I will not be afraid," she replied, lifting up her face, over
which a bright light shone, as of God's radiance. "I am not
afraid for myself. I will not be so for my darling."
After a little pause, they began to arrange the manner of her
going, and to speak about the length of time that she might be
absent on her temporary duties. In talking of her return, they
assumed it to be certain, although the exact time when was to
them unknown, and would be dependent entirely on the duration of
the fever; but not the less, in their secret hearts, did they
feel where alone the issue lay. Ruth was to communicate with
Leonard and Miss Faith through Mr. Benson alone, who insisted on
his determination to go every evening to the hospital to learn
the proceedings of the day, and the state of Ruth's health.
"It is not alone on your account, my dear! There may be many sick
people of whom, if I can give no other comfort, I can take
intelligence to their friends."
All was settled with grave composure; yet still Ruth lingered, as
if nerving herself up for some effort. At length she said, with a
faint smile upon her pale face--
"I believe I am a great coward. I stand here talking because I
dread to tell Leonard.
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