THE EXPERIENCES OF A PRIVATE NURSE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13079, 15 September 1904, Page 2

THE EXPERIENCES OF A PRIVATE NURSE.

NO. It. "Has that paragon of all of the virtues lunched,. Stirling?" I" heard a feeble though sharp voice ask.

" Yes, sir," answered the butler, with an apologetic cough and a backward glance; " she ;s here," and he drew aside for me to approach the bed.

. A pair of piercing black eyes flashed into mine. The haiv, eyebrows, and moustache were silver white, enhancing the general pallor of the skin; but I observed that tlie patient's strength had been reduced to a very lonebb the spirit of the man was still unquenched. An annoyed expression crossed his face as his eyes travelled over nie, and lie said petulantly, "Bettor Jlerton informed in?- he was sending a. capable nurse one accustomed to " and lie paused tor a moment and sun-eyed me in stern displeasure, for the amusement I was feeling had betrayed itself. 'You are too young, nurse—much too youni People of your profession should be plain of feature, otil, of their teens, and past- all frivolity,' he added severely. "My looks belie I*llo, Sir Donald. lam really quite old," I said earnestly, for life seemed to me a lesvon long learnt", although I had. scarcely realised 25 years ; " and as for my features.' and I smiled mischievously down into his gloomy face, "it has bce.-i left for you to discover am- redeeming quality in them."

" I did not remark on vour good looks," lie answered grimly ; " tliey are all ri"h'— plain, perhaps." But as' 1 still smiled, lie listed crossly if nurses weio bom wu:i the gift of forbearance or if they acquired it by practice, tor answer I placcd my arm under his head and rearranged lu's pillows more comfortably. He looked quizzically at mc, and a gleam of kindliness crossed his face. He touched an electric button on the table at his side, and presently the housekeeper made lier appcarance. _ '' Show Nurse Helen to her loom, Mrs see that she Is made lomfortable,' and he turned courteously to me, saying, "I hope you will, be nioderatelv happy at Auchingair. You will be tired after your journey. Take a rest. I will not require any help until the evening, and Stirling will attend me until then.

Ilie housekeeper led the way. and presently ushercU me into a checrtul bedroom, where a lire blazad merrilv. The furniture was draped with 'yl.ilc dimity, sprinkled with pink rosebuds. A comfortable lounge was drawn near the tire, and I discovered to my delight that my books and belongings were arranged jieitly and conveniently for me.

" j oil will ask for all you require, Miss," said the little woman as she bustled about .the room. "You v.ill find it dull here at present, but the young master will be home soon,' and her blue eves and apnle cheeks beamed. expectantly." "Sir Donald has a soil then?" I remarked carelessly. •

"Yes, Miss, an only child," and she drew nearer the eout-h where I had enmfon ably located myself, and. lowering her voice, sa'd mysteriously, " You don't know, why, Nurse Nora, was sent away?" " No," f replied ; " T concluded site did not please-Sir-Donald." , " It was; .bemuse she pleased Mr Graham so much "—and the woman's c-yes filled with tears; '"We all loved Nurse Nora. She has been laid up with fever in Edinburgh Infirmary, and the young master's broken-hearted. You will excuse mc, ■Miss," taking her handkerchief from the pocket of her black silk apron and vigorously wiping her eyes. "I have been in Sir Donald's act vice for nigh 40 year. I watched' him courting myself, and" I've served the young it aster since the day her ladyship was carried to the lamilv vatilt at- Kibnun. Sir Donald has a temper of his own. as you'll find, Miss, and he has sworn that if Master Graham will not many the jorl he wishes he will disinherit him. and 1 Auchingair will go to a. distant cousin. - The young master loves Nurse Nora. He inherits the M'Kenzie temper, and has refused obedience to his Mien He is now makimr arrangements to go abroad as soon as Nurse Nora is we'll, for she has refund to marry him without Sir Donald's consent. But I'll be tiring you, Miss"—and she left me, quietly closing the door behind her. The days passed quickly by, and I discovered tl at, under a rough'exterior, my patient' carefully hid a fund of" wit, humour, and kindliness. His recuperative powers we wonderful, and in a. feiv weeks' time'he was. carried downstairs to the library, where be would sit gazing out over the park studded with oak, ash, and chestnut trees, and away across to Tuch Lonaig, covered with yew's, from which the island takes its name, and which were planted by Robert the Bruce and his men to furnish bows for the Scottish archers. He was never tired of telling, nor I cf listening, to the legends of mountain, loch, and forest with which the Highlands of Scotland abound. His eyes would blazo with 4 excitement as he would narrate how his ancestors fought at Glen Fruin and were' cut -to pieces by the Macgregors.' How their widows carried their husbands' shirts, saturated in blood,, to Edinburgh, and secured the proscription of the hostile clan, i I shall .never forget his aiiger one evening.when a guest from the South of England was asked to sing, and, thinking to please Sir Donald, and being ignorant of Scottish history and,the enmity between the clans, sang the boat song from "The Lady of the Lake." Proudly our pibroch has thrilled in G!en ' Frail),' : And Bsmnochai's groans to our slogan rei piled;

Glen Luss and Rossdhu, they are smoking in ruin, And the best of Loch Lomond lie dead on her side. Widow and Saxon maid Long shall lament our raid, Think of Clan Alpino with fear and with woe; Lennox and Leven Glen Shake when they hear agen Roderick vich Alpine dim, liol ieroel

The sonsr. which was brilliantly sung, and would elsewhere have been received by shouts of apnla'"i*. this memorable occasion received ill silence.

'"Y'oulove out j,.... . mountain an.! heather," he said one day, while his eyes warmed with letting, "'lou Juigusli cannot, as a rule, understand the pride ot the Scotsman."

"I am of Highland descent, although a native of New Zealand," I reviled. "Your name is not a Higiihmd one, although you possess many of' the characteristics of the Scotish nice. Yes, New Zealand is a fine natural country, and aprosperous one; but vrm live too hard out there, mature too quickly, and get old suddenly. There is more stamina in those at this end of the world."

"Perhaps we get more out of life," I replied.

Sir Donald shook his head. "Look at that tree," he answered, pointing to anoble oak which occupied 'the centre of the huvn. "Do vou ever see trees like that in New Zealand?"

" No, but English trees in the colony grow more rapidly." "Yes," he answered," "they shoot tip quickly; but think of the difference of the timber,'" ho added triumphantly. Returning to Auchingair after a long tramp one afternoon I found my patient in earnest conversation with a young lady, who was introduced to me as Miss Colquiioun, and whom I recognised as my companion on the lialloch station on the morning of my arrival. She rose as I came forward into the firelight, and held out her hand to me in a frank manner, saying, "I have been away in the North for some time, hone-.' my'neglect; hut I find von and Sir Donald are getting along lamously together, so that my help has not been required. Now that I'havo returned I hope to see something of you." "I will bo very glad if you will take her in hand, Isubel,' answered the laird, razing fondly at her. " Nurse Helen and 1 are good friends, and her companionship is a pleasure to me. She Ims reduced tho geneahwv of the Scottish race to a fine art, ami I believe she has a secret intention of publishing the eccentricities of the poor Scots when she leaves Dumbartonshire. She is now interested in studying the formation' of the mound dwellings which have been discovered in Glen Fruin, and which Mr Ritchie tells us were inhabited hundreds of years ago by a small race of men,"

Miss Colquiioun glanced quickly at me. '' All, I thought you and Sir Donald would find interests in common," she said.

"Nurse Helen is different from the generality of those of her profession inasmuch as she listens and learns. Not like her predecessor." lie added, Isobel Colquiioun did not replv. but gazed steadily into the fire, and I noticed a dark, angry tlusli cross the laird's face. She rose shortly afterwards, and. bidding us good-bye, promised to call for me one dav for a ramble in the woiods. Sly patient sat forward in his chair and watched her as she walked rapidly across the nark to the road, which wound round the lochside. "That is a brave, gallant figure of a woman," he said, and 1 caught a gleam ot something in his eyes which looked uncommonly like a tear. "Her father, General Colquiioun, was one of my very oldest friends. He was for many years Resident Governor of Mandnlay. 'Died out there. His widow and Isoliel live at Drumearn, two miles from here, and she and my boy have been friends from childhood. Is it not natural that I should wish a connection between the families? Isobel loves liini, and I am certain fie loved her until Nurse Ross came to Auchingair.-'

lie frowned upon me as I made no reply. "I like Jliss Colquiioun immensely," I said, " but. I think she is capable of. inspiring admiration, rather than love, and from mv experience of men in general they like a woman to be dependent, not independent."

"My experience of you, nurse, is that you are objective, not subjective," he answered soiirly. "However, you will have an opportunity of judging, 'for I exlicct my son Graham home in a week's time."

The days were lengthening rapidly, and already the -trees had received the magic touch of the Divine and had woven a. summer mantle of green. Tiie rowan, still in the glory of its vermilion berries, glistened in the sunlight amongst its dark-green polished leaves. -The hugs conical mountains, rising to a height ol 2000 ft, and clotkri with pasture to the summit, were dotted with black-faced sheep. 8011 Lomond, on the right, Ben Vorlich in front, Ben Vane and Ben Arthur coming into sight, and the black waters beneath, encirckd Aucliingiiir in majestic grandeur. Away on the horizon, like sentinels, might- be seen the red deer as they bounded towards some copse for shelter. Occasionally Kir Donald would order the carriage, and, wearing the Gltniairy bonnet- he always adopted in the country, and which showed to advantage his aristocratic features, lie would sit stiffly in his seat, loftily inclining his head to those in the village who greeted with smiles and nods his reappearance amongst them. To all employed 011 the estate of Auchingair lie bad a kindly word, provided his orcfers were übs.vcd implicitly, but woe to the person who was couiageous enough to differ from Ills l.iird.

One morning 1 was hastily summoned to my patient's study, to Jiiul him awaiting me while he impatiently beat a ta.ltoo on. the table. " Sit down, nurse." he commanded. " I want your help. I have just received a message bv one -uf my gillies that Duncan M'Diiugoll. lies seriously ill at Balmaha, and I am sending for ])r Munro; but. he is an obstinate old fossil,

nnd an interview between liim -and M'Dougall's wife will probnblv end in n tussle. ' I will therefore be obliged if you would be so kind as to drive over ( to Ardbeg with the doctor and see M'Dougall. You may be of some xiSe to the old woman, who is convinced that her husband is j?oing to die, »nd she will be useless in'remlerin? tho sick -man any aid. I am much interested in the old couple, or would not trouble you, nurse." . "Certainly, .Sir Donald," I replied, "I will be ijlacl to do what I can." My patient did not thank me in words, but one of his rare glances of appreciation passed over me, and then I hurried away to obey his wishes.

When we reached the clachan we found M'Dougall's wife standing at her door, while she shaded her eyes from the sun. "Wae's me, doctor, but a'am feart ma, man's sair lnd," she said, as we eume forward. "V/ha's this ye've brocht wi' ye?" she asked, gazing inquisitively at me. Br Munro briefly explained, and she led the way' into the cottage. "Come awa' lug the hoose," she said, " Jl'Dougall's no here," as the doctpr looked in surprise at the empty box kitchen bed. "I tliocht as puir Airchie lookit sae bad and like tuo dee, it wad seem mair respectfu' if lie passed awn' in the best room, and I just shifted him hen," "Better have left him where it's warm," answered the.doctor gruffly.

A fevered face covered with bushy black beard and bright eyes Ipoked up" at us eagerly out of the huddled bedclothes.

"What's all this, M'Dougall?" said the doctor cheerily "'j " feeling bad, are you?" "I'm awfu' bad. It's ime use docthoring nic lioo. for Kirsty seen the death-craw on tho sill the morn, and it's nae for her, for die's feelin' brawlv the lioo."

The doctor w:ks busy/with his ther-f momUer, and di'd not reply. " Have you any hot water?" lie asked Mr;; H'Dougall. "Ay, the kettle's biliii' on the hob."

tie turned to mo: " M'Dougall must'have a tepid balh at once, nurse. You will -ee to it, nnd that he has this draught," taking a oinall .packet from bis ' mcdicine case.

"I must :;o across to Ruwardvnan, and will return for you in. the evening. 1 will bring b'.ek someonf to remain with Mrs Al'L'cugail. He'll be all right in ii week or so's time with care."

" Now, Kiisty." he said brusquely, "your man's not lhat bad but he'll get better this time, but don't talk to him about crows and such like at the present time."

"Ye're no mum to gie ma. man a wash all ower?" .she asked in astonishment. " He got, an awfu' cauld tho last time.''

"And when wiis tint, Kirstv?' 1 "Weel I mind tine the occasion when the auld Queen visited the Highlands. It's just 15 years syne " ' "Well, well, Kirsty," answered the doctor, laughing good-naturedly, "you'll find he'll be all the belter for it this time," and he hurried away.

'' Ye're 110 gaun to wark in that fine, dean daidlie and. frock?" she asked, as she saw ine remove my cloak and bonnet, " and I doot ma mairll no' like a bit lassie fashin' aboot Jiim," she added jealously. "Havers, Kirslv, wumman, What difference is there, think ye, atween Sir Donal' an' niasel'. I'll feel line efter a hit wash. Am thinkin' it'll be time for the kye to come hame, will't 110?"

"Ay, weel, I'll just awa' to the byre tae the milkin'. Ye'll see, ma lassie, that ye dimu let ma man tak' eauld."

When slit, returned an hour later M'Dougall was fast asleep. She bent over h;m, examining with care his every feature. " He's no sao heated like," she whispered. "He's a line braw man, ina Airchie, and it wad hue vexed me sair liatl he been taken awa', but he wad hae made a beautifu' corpse. Corne awa' ben tae the fireside, ma. lassie, and hae a cup 0' tea. Yon. look pcakit like." >She spread a snowwhite cloth on the table, and placed bannocks and cookies, which had been sent from Glasgow that morning for M'Dougall's consumption.

" Ye ll mak' a hearty tea, ina. dear," sho said kindly. "And hoo's the laird?" she asked, settling he:self down for a gosip. " Sir Donald has i|tiite recovered, I answered. "80 well is he that I'm giving up my charge very soon." "I heerd tell that ye were muckle thocht 0' at the castle, and that the laird' was gae loth tae pairt .wi' ve. Stirlin' was tellin' 111 a man that ye tak' ye re own way aboot things at Aueliingair, and dinna say by ye're leave or wi' ye're leave, and hand to ye're ain.opeenion abnot things, jib, but I'd like fine to see ye differ wi' oor laird," and she laughed 'iieartilv. "But I mus'mi wauk ma man," she ailded, as I looked up warni;u>iy at the half-closed door. "Not that Hi say a word o'.hearm aboot Sir Donal", but he's a sour-tempered auld fule at times, for a' that. I mind fine when Airchie and me was marrit, 40 vein- syne. The laird, hewasabraw youn<.' man then, was ridin' b.v mv mitlier's cottage, and he steppit in tae wish lis lane life."

"' Talc care o' Kirsty, ll'Dousjall,' lie said, "and he patrit me nn the back and slijipit a sovereign in ma hand. * lie a L'llid wife, Kirsty,' ho said, 'and dinna deafen ve're mini ower muckle wi' ye're tonr'ue.'"

A couple of collies barked a welcome, and. a moment later the doctor, accompanied by a. stout, comfortablc-looking woman about 50 entered the cottage! "I've come to bide wi' ye," she said, "and help wi' M'Doiiuall.' 1

'An am ncht glad tae see ye ; Airehie's sleepin' like a wear, the 1100,' so we'll 110 ganir ben.''

-Lne doctor softly cloned the bedroom door, and, assuring Mrs IWDougall ol her husband's certain 'recovery provided his orders were cariied out, we 'bid good-bye to the clachan. We had scareelv reached the pass when we heard a. cali, aiid Kirsty came running up to 1h« )ri», oairyinj; a small parcel, winch she handed up" to liie. "Here, ma lassie. It's in memory o' ine an' M.'Moug-tll. We'll no ye're kiwiutss, but I hope ma man'll no'tak' cauld."

1 opened Iho parcel, and found it contained a (piainl bowl of willow pattern, which I hud admired that afternoon. "This is kind of yon, Mrs .U'Doiifjal]," I said gratefully, for I was an ardent collector of old china. "It belonged to ma gran'mither," she replied, "an' a'm prood that ye'll accent it, Miss."

Biddin,: Kirsty good-bye, we started once more for Auciiinjair.

(To be continued.)