DRAMA WITHIN BIG HOSPITAL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18311, 12 November 1927, Page 1

DRAMA WITHIN BIG HOSPITAL.

GIRL’S LOVE THAT CONQUERED DEATH. (Special to the " Star.”) LONDON. September 20. Brought back from the brink of death by a girl’s love, a young man. whose case was pronounced hopeless by hospital doctors, made an amazing recovery. The story is told by Mr Philip Inman, superintendent of Charing Cross Hospital, in “The Human Touch.” Rebelling against the medical verdict. the man’s fiancee stayed day and night by his bedside. “He will not die; I am sure he is going to live,” was her cry. Except to take a little food she never left the ward. “ Weeks have passed.” writes Mr Inman. “ since her sweetheart came to us in what seemed to be a hopeless state. Yet he lives, and the doctors marvel: at his recovery.” Wife Before “ Other Woman.” There is a story of a man injured in a street accident, for whose recovery from unconsciousness waited two people—his wife and the “ other woman.”

He was told: “ Your wife and a Miss are waiting downstairs. Would you like to sec them?” In a voice of subdued excitement he replied: “I should like to see my wife.” A sweet-faced, grey-haired woman lay in one of the wards. On her bed-table was a portrait of a striking young fellow of 30. She was to undergo a second and serious operation, but she begged that he should not be sent for. The Prodigal’s Return. The operation was successful, but the patient’s heart gave cause for anxiety. As she came back to consciousness she whispered the name “ David,” and it was decided to communicate with the He came, accompanied by a young and beautiful girl. Told of the great pride his mother had in him, “ he shook visibly, and on his face came a look of utter dejection. “ ‘ May God forgive me,’ he said, brokenly. ‘ I thought she would shame some of my friends, and that is why even my wife didn’t know I had a mother until to-day.’ “Just then a nurse brought his wife into my room. There were tears in her eyes. 4 David,’ she said, 4 why didn’t you tell me? I could have loved her dearly.’ “ The doctor, who had entered, my room unnoticed, interposed quietly. ‘ You’ll still have time, for she has taken a turn for the better.’ ” Father Who Waited. An elderly man, told he had a fortnight to live, said he intended to see his son from Australia before he died, although the son could not reach England for more than six weeks. The father called for a map and a box of pins, and. between spasms of pain, mapped out his son’s voyage, placing 45 pins in the map and pulling one out each day. Just before the son was due he had a relapse, but the thought that only three pins remained seemed to revive him. The day came when father and son -were reunited. I was leaving them together when the old man called me back. “ I want you to witness this,” he said. “ It’s done my heart good to see my boy, but I’m thankful I’ve been spared for something else. Six months ago my wife died.” Turning to his boy. he went on. “ 1 promised your mother on her death-bed that I would hand to you something which she regarded as her greatest treasure.” He took from under his pillow a sealed packet, which he gave to his son “Now I’ve kept my word,” he said, and on his face came a look of perfect peace. That night he died in his sleep. Couple Reunited. The outcast doctor, who was allowed to watch the surgeons at work in the operating theatre, the little children from the slums, the heroes and heroines in lowly walks of life, the incurables —all provide drama within the hospital walls. A wife who had cited her husband in divorce was told that he was in a critical condition. She came at once, and when she saw him her eyes filled with pity. 44 Tohn,” she said, tenderly. “ Aridrey,” he murmured. “ thank God you've come.” Slowly, but surely, the patient made progress. “It is not often,” comments Mr Inman, “ that a woman goes through the marriage ceremony twice with the same man. But if I read the signs aright, that is likely to be the experience of Mrs John R .”