So Mrs. Preston went away, leaving a stranger to fulfill her own duties at the bedside of her husband.

Thus it happened that, when Andy came home, he found his mother already gone, and his sister on the point of starting for the doctor’s house.  His idea had already been carried out.

CHAPTER XXII COLONEL PRESTON’S RECOVERY

Four weeks afterward, we will introduce the reader into the bedchamber of Colonel Preston.  His sickness has been severe.  At times recovery was doubtful, but Mrs. Burke has proved a careful and devoted nurse, intelligent and faithful enough to carry out the directions of the physician.

“How do you feel this morning, Colonel Preston?” asked the doctor, who had just entered the chamber.

“Better, doctor.  I feel quite an appetite.”

“You are looking better—­decidedly better.  The disease has spent its force, and retreated from the field.”

“It is to you that the credit belongs, Dr. Townley.”

“Only in part.  The greater share belongs to your faithful nurse, Mrs. Burke.”

“I shall not soon forget my obligations to her,” said the sick man, significantly.

“Now, Colonel Preston,” said Mrs. Burke, “you are making too much of what little I have done.”

“That is impossible, Mrs. Burke.  It is to your good nursing and the doctor’s skill that I owe my life, and I hardly know to which the most.”

“To the doctor, sir.  I only followed out his directions.”

“At the expense of your own health.  You show the effects of your long-continued care.”

“It won’t take long to pick up,” said Mrs. Burke, cheerfully.

“Is the danger of contagion over, doctor?” asked the patient.

“Quite so.”

“Then, would it not be well to write to Mrs. Preston?  Not that I mean to give up my good nurse just yet; that is, if she is willing to stay.”

“I will stay as long as you need me, sir.”

“That is well; but Mrs. Preston may wish to return, now that there’s no further danger.”

“I will write to her at once.”

“Thank you.”

The following letter was dispatched to Mrs. Preston: 

“Mrs. Preston:—­
“Dear Madam:  It gives me great pleasure to inform you that
your husband is so far recovered that there is no danger now
of infection.  You can return with safety, and he will,
doubtless, be glad to see you.  He has been very ill,
indeed—­in danger of his life; but, thanks to the devotion of
Mrs. Burke, who has proved an admirable nurse, he is now on
the high road to recovery.  Yours respectfully,

          
                                                            “John Townley.”

“I think that will bring her,” said the doctor.

But he reckoned without his host.

The next day he received the following letter, on scented paper: