She could tell by its tones how he felt, and how he was getting on, as well as any of the watchers in the room.

She yearned and pined to see him once more; but she had reasoned herself down into something like patience.

When he was well enough to leave his room, when he had not always one of the nurses with him, then he would send for her, and she would tell him how very patient she had been for his dear sake.

But it was long to wait even with this thought of the manner in which the waiting would end.

Poor Ruth! her faith was only building up vain castles in the air; they towered up into heaven, it is true, but, after all, they were but visions..